MoD okays Rs 1.45L cr proposal to buy high-tech warships, next-gen tanks

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the apex decision-making body of the Ministry of Defence, has approved a proposal for procurement of future-ready combat vehicles (FRCVs), the name for next generation of tanks. It also okayed making seven new stealth warships that would be an upgrade over the presently under construction Nilgiri class of ships.

The tanks and warships were part of 10 capital acquisition proposals amounting to Rs 1.45 lakh crore that were accorded the ‘acceptance of necessity’ (AoN) by the DAC today. After an AoN, the project manufacturers are asked to send bids.

The FRCVs are embedded with latest technologies of a futuristic battle tank like superior mobility, all-terrain ability, protections from enemy fire, precision and lethal firing abilities. Some 2,000 such tanks are needed by the Army that largely relies on the Russian origin T-72 and T-90 tanks. The Army also has a small number of indigenously made Arjun tanks. The fleet needs modern, state of the art battle tanks. Sources said the FRCVs will have niche technologies to include artificial intelligence, integrate drones and have situational awareness. The Army in its demand to the MoD had explained the future battle space will be intense and hybrid.

The Army wanted FRCVs that adapt to modern problems like countering aerial threats and enhance own survivability. The FRCVs will be able to conduct sustained, continuous operations throughout the day by utilising real-time awareness of the battlefield.

The DAC okayed the stealth warships that would be most technologically advanced warships ever built domestically. The deal, known as Project 17B, will involve the construction of state-of-the-art frigates, including Brahmos cruise missiles, anti-submarine weaponry and sophisticated electronic warfare systems.

Mazagon Dockyards Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), both government-owned shipyards, are the leading contenders for this massive project. Both yards are actively constructing frigates under the project, with MDL handling four ships and GRSE working on three.

The DAC also accorded an AoN for procurement of air defence fire control radars, which will detect and track aerial target and provide firing solutions. Three AoNs have been accorded to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard. These include procurement of Dornier-228 aircraft, next generation fast patrol vessels having high operational features in rough weather conditions and next generation offshore patrol vessels with advanced technology and enhanced long-range operations. These will help the Coast Guard carry out surveillance, patrolling of maritime zone, search and rescue and disaster relief operations.