Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)

Source: TP

Context: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved procurement worth ₹54,000 crore to boost India’s defence capabilities.

• The approval includes T-90 tank engines, Varunastra torpedoes, and Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

About Defence Acquisition Council (DAC):

• What it is:

• The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is the apex body under the Ministry of Defence that oversees capital acquisitions for India’s defence forces.

• Established in:

• Formed in 2001, based on the recommendations of the Group of Ministers on National Security Reform after the Kargil War.

• Chaired by: Defence Minister of India currently Rajnath Singh.

• Functions:

• Grant Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisitions. Categorize acquisitions into Buy, Buy & Make, or Make categories. Approve the 15-Year Long-Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTPP). Monitor major procurement projects and ensure progress with regular feedback.

• Grant Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisitions.

• Categorize acquisitions into Buy, Buy & Make, or Make categories.

• Approve the 15-Year Long-Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTPP).

• Monitor major procurement projects and ensure progress with regular feedback.

Major Approved Procurement Details:

Procurement Name | Features

1350 HP Engines for T-90 Tanks (Army) | – Upgraded from current 1000 HP engines for enhanced power.

– Improves battlefield mobility, especially in high-altitude regions.

– Strengthens India’s armored capabilities.

Varunastra Heavyweight Torpedoes (Navy) | – Indigenous ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo.

– Speed: Over 40 knots; Range: 40 km.

– Warhead: 250 kg high-explosive.

– Capable of targeting quiet submarines in deep and shallow waters.

– Features advanced active-passive acoustic homing and GPS/NavIC guidance.

– First inducted in 2016.

Airborne Early Warning & Control System (AEW&C) for IAF | – Force multiplier system for tracking hostile aircraft, UAVs, and missiles.

– Net-centric with command-and-control functions.

– Provides composite battlefield picture using multi-sensor integration.

– Guides interceptor aircraft efficiently to neutralize threats.