Rajnath Singh Approves Big Defence Purchases and Honors Late ICG DG Rakesh Pal
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved 10 capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 1,44,716 crore. Impressively, 99% of this amount will come from Indian sources under the Buy (Indian) and Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) categories.
Key Approvals
One of the major approvals is for the procurement of Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) for the Indian Army. These vehicles will be advanced Main Battle Tanks with superior mobility, all-terrain capability, multilayered protection, precision firepower, and real-time situational awareness.
Another significant approval is for Air Defence Fire Control Radars, which will detect and track aerial targets and provide firing solutions. Additionally, the DAC approved the procurement of Forward Repair Team (Tracked) vehicles, designed by Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, for in-situ repairs during mechanized operations.
Enhancements for the Indian Coast Guard
The DAC also approved three proposals to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). These include the procurement of Dornier-228 aircraft, Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels, and Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels. These additions will improve the ICG’s ability to conduct surveillance, patrolling, search and rescue, and disaster relief operations.
Honoring DG Rakesh Pal
During the meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took a moment to honor the late ICG Director General Rakesh Pal, who passed away on August 18, 2024, due to a heart attack. Rajnath Singh praised DG Rakesh Pal’s significant contributions to the ICG and expressed condolences to his family. The DAC members observed a moment of silence in his memory.
Doubts Revealed
Rajnath Singh -: Rajnath Singh is the Defence Minister of India. He is responsible for the country’s defense and military matters.
Defence Acquisition Council -: The Defence Acquisition Council is a group that decides on buying new equipment and weapons for the Indian military.
capital acquisition proposals -: These are plans to buy big and important things, like vehicles and radars, for the military.
Rs 1,44,716 crore -: This is a very large amount of money, around 1.44 lakh crore rupees, which is being spent on defense purchases.
Future Ready Combat Vehicles -: These are advanced military vehicles that are prepared for future battles and challenges.
Air Defence Fire Control Radars -: These are special radars used to detect and control air attacks, helping to protect the country from enemy aircraft.
Indian Coast Guard -: The Indian Coast Guard is a part of the military that protects India’s seas and coasts.
ICG DG Rakesh Pal -: Rakesh Pal was the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, a high-ranking officer who recently passed away.
moment of silence -: A moment of silence is a short time when everyone stays quiet to show respect for someone who has passed away.