New Delhi: In the midst of Operation Sindoor, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is ready to call this week to consider a wide set of military modernization proposals worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore.According to defense sources quoted by ANI, the high-day meeting scheduled at the end of this week will include approval for a wide range of acquisitions aimed at strengthening India’s air, navy and ground defense capabilities. This will be the first DAC meeting when India launched Operation Sindore, its recent terrorism and border monitoring campaign.Big push for air defenseTop proposals have a quick response surface-to-hwa missile (QRSAM) system evacuation developed by DRDO. The Rs 30,000 crore project aims to significantly increase the air defense capacity of the Indian Army, which provides a blockage capacity against air threats up to 30 km away.IAF eyes ground monitoringThe Indian Air Force is also emphasizing for three intelligence, monitoring, targeting and purchase of aircraft to increase real-time battlefield awareness and accurate strike capabilities. These aircraft will be obtained from global manufacturers and then adapted to airborne systems for the center of DRDO in collaboration with private sector partners.Navy and fighter jet upgradesThe Indian Navy is expected to seek approval for DRDO-developed pressure-based idol mines, designed to combat enemy submarines and surface vessels. Additionally, the DAC 84 will review the upgrade plan for SU-30MKI fighter jets, which is already a greenlight in the earlier meeting.Underwater drones and moreAnother important item on the agenda is the purchase of underwater autonomous vehicles, which will be important for India’s maritime monitoring and sub-sub-war capabilities.As a top body for capital defense purchases, DAC decisions this week can make a big jump in India’s ongoing attempt to modernize their forces in front of India’s emerging threats and geopolitical stresses.
