Defence Acquisition Council

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the procurement of weapons and equipment worth ₹22,800 crore.

The focus was on ‘Make in India’ initiative i.e. on indigenous design, development and manufacturing of weapons and equipment.

Thermal Imaging Night Sights for Assault Rifles: These would enable troops to undertake long range accurate engagements in dark and all weather conditions thereby enhancing the night fighting capabilities.
Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
- These platforms would provide on-board command & control and 'early warning' which would assist the Indian Air Force (IAF) in achieving effective air space dominance in the least possible time.
- Induction of these aircraft will greatly enhance both the Air defence and offensive capabilities of the IAF.
- The shortage of such force multipliers was felt during the aerial engagement with the Pakistan Air Force, a day after the Balakot air strike in February, 2019.
P8I long range patrol aircraft for the Indian Navy: These aircraft would greatly strengthen the Navy's capabilities for maritime surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Vessel (ASV) strike. These would be procured from the United States.
Twin Engine Heavy Helicopters (TEHH) for the Indian Coast Guard: These aircraft would enable the Coast Guard to undertake missions to prevent maritime terrorism, infiltration of terrorists by sea routes as well as search & rescue operations.

Defence Acquisition Council

The Defence Acquisition Council is the highest decision-making body in the Defence Ministry for deciding on new policies and capital acquisitions for the three services (Army, Navy and Air Force) and the Indian Coast Guard.
The Minister of Defence is the Chairman of the Council.
It was formed, after the Group of Ministers recommendations on 'Reforming the National Security System', in 2001, post Kargil War (1999).