Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)
Context
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals worth about ₹79,000 crore.
The DAC is chaired by the Defence Minister and functions under the Ministry of Defence.
The approvals cover the Army, Navy, and Air Force, reflecting joint operational synergy.
Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) is the first and critical stage in defence capital procurement.
1. Loiter Munition Systems
Enable precision strikes against tactical and time-sensitive targets.
Useful for modern battlefields with asymmetric and hybrid threats.
2. Low Level Light Weight Radars
Enhance detection and tracking of small, low-flying unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
Important for counter-drone and air defence at tactical levels.
3. Long Range Guided Rocket Ammunition (Pinaka MRLS)
Improves range and accuracy of the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System.
Enables engagement of high-value targets at extended distances.
4. Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDD&IS) Mk-II
Enhanced range over earlier versions.
Strengthens protection of vital assets, both in tactical battle areas and the hinterland.
Indian Navy: Approved systems
1. Bollard Pull (BP) Tugs
Assist naval ships and submarines during berthing, unberthing, and manoeuvring.
Essential for operations in confined harbour waters.
2. High Frequency Software Defined Radio (HF SDR) Manpack
Enables long-range, secure communications.
Useful during boarding and landing operations.
3. Leasing of HALE RPAS
High Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems.
Provide persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).
Strengthen Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) across the Indian Ocean Region.
Indian Air Force: Approved systems
1. Automatic Take-off and Landing Recording System
Enhances aerospace safety.
Provides high-definition, all-weather recording of take-off and landing phases.
2. Astra Mk-II
Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) air-to-air missile with enhanced range.
Improves the IAF’s ability to engage adversary aircraft from extended distances.
3. Full Mission Simulator (LCA Tejas)
Supports cost-effective and safe pilot training.
Reduces dependence on live flying hours.
4. SPICE-1000 Guidance Kits
Long-range precision strike capability.
Converts conventional bombs into precision-guided munitions.
Strategic Significance
Enhances joint operational preparedness of all three Services.
Strengthens counter-drone capability, precision strike, and ISR dominance.
Aligns with goals of self-reliance, modernisation, and technological upgradation in defence.
Improves deterrence posture and maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. With reference to the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), consider the following statements:
It is chaired by the Defence Minister of India.
It accords Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals of the Armed Forces.
It functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: The Defence Acquisition Council is chaired by the Defence Minister.
Statement 2 is correct: DAC grants Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisitions.
Statement 3 is incorrect: DAC functions under the Ministry of Defence, not the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Q. The primary role of Loiter Munition Systems approved for the Indian Army is to:
A. Provide area saturation bombardment
B. Enhance air defence against fighter aircraft
C. Conduct precision strikes against tactical targets
D. Enable strategic nuclear delivery
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Loiter Munition Systems are designed to hover over a target area and conduct precision strikes, particularly against tactical and time-sensitive targets. They are not meant for area bombardment or nuclear delivery.
Q. With reference to the Indian Air Force–related approvals, consider the following statements:
Astra Mk-II is a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile.
SPICE-1000 enhances long-range precision strike capability.
Automatic Take-off and Landing Recording System is meant for pilotless aircraft only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: Astra Mk-II is a BVR air-to-air missile with enhanced range.
Statement 2 is correct: SPICE-1000 is a precision guidance kit enhancing long-range strike capability.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The recording system enhances aerospace safety for manned aircraft, not exclusively unmanned platforms.