Why in news?
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved capital acquisition proposals worth ₹1.05 lakh crore, emphasising 100 per cent indigenous sourcing to enhance India’s defence capabilities.
About the DAC
- Highest procurement body: Established in 2001 after the Kargil War, the DAC is chaired by the defence minister and includes the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
- Functions: Approves Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital procurements, oversees the Long‑Term Integrated Perspective Plan, categorises acquisitions (Buy Indian, Buy & Make, etc.) and decides on technology transfer and offsets.
Recent approvals
- ₹1.05 lakh crore indigenous proposals: Ten proposals cleared under the “Buy (Indian‑IDDM)” category.
- Naval acquisitions: Approval of moored mines, mine counter‑measure vessels, submersible autonomous vessels and super rapid gun mounts.
- Air‑defence systems: Pipeline procurement of three regiments of Quick Reaction Surface‑to‑Air Missiles (QR‑SAM) to bolster army air defence.
- Helicopter deal: The Cabinet Committee on Security cleared India’s largest helicopter contract—156 Light Combat Helicopters (Prachand) from HAL for ₹62,700 crore.
The approvals signify India’s push toward self‑reliance in defence equipment, reduce import dependence and boost domestic manufacturing.