The Defence Ministry approved capital acquisition proposals worth approximately Rs 7,800 crore on Thursday (24 August). This includes the procurement and installation of an electronic warfare suite for Mi-17 V5 helicopters.

These proposals were cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

The approved proposals by the DAC include the procurement of 7.62×51 mm light machine gun and the acquisition of weapons for MH-60R helicopters of the Indian Navy.

“To enhance the efficiency of the Indian Air Force," the Defence Ministry said in a statement, "the DAC has granted AoN for procurement and installation of Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite on Mi-17 V5 helicopters under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. ("AoN" is short for acceptance of necessity.)

The EW suite will be procured from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

In addition, the DAC has granted approval for the purchase of a ground-based autonomous system for mechanised infantry and armoured regiments. This system will enable unmanned surveillance, logistic delivery of ammunition, fuel, and spares, as well as casualty evacuation in the battlefield.

The DAC has also given the green light for the procurement of 7.62×51 mm light machine gun and bridge laying tank.

The induction of the light machine gun will "enhance fighting capabilities of infantry forces," while the induction of the bridge laying tank will "result in faster movement of mechanised forces."

“The AoN for procurement of Ruggedised Laptops and Tablets for the Indian Army under Project Shakti has also been accorded. All these procurements will be sourced from indigenous vendors only,” the Defence Ministry said.

To enhance the operational capability of the MH-60R Helicopters of the Indian Navy, the procurement of weapons for the same has been approved.