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Context

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved contracts worth approximately Rs 84,560 crore, for enhancing India's overall defence requirements and infrastructure.

Details

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)

Establishment

• The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) of India was established in 2001 under the Ministry of Defence to oversee the procurement of defense equipment and weapons for the Indian Armed Forces.

Primary Function

• The DAC serves as the highest decision-making body within the Ministry of Defence on defense procurement matters. It formulates policies and guidelines to streamline the acquisition process and ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
• Give in principle approval of a 15 years Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP) for defence forces.
• Accord of acceptance of necessity to acquisition proposals.
• Categorisation of the acquisition proposals relating to ‘Buy’, ‘Buy & Make’ and ‘Make’.
• Look into issues relating to single vendor clearance.
• Take decisions regarding Transfer of Technology under the ‘Buy & Make’ category of acquisition proposals.
• Field trial evaluation.

Composition

• Chaired by the Defence Minister of India, the DAC includes members from the armed forces, Ministry of Defence, and other relevant departments. The Chief of Defence Staff and the three Service Chiefs are also part of the council.

Decision Making

• The DAC evaluates and approves defense procurement proposals, including the acquisition of weapons, platforms, technology transfer agreements, and major defense projects. It ensures that acquisitions meet the operational requirements of the armed forces and comply with budgetary constraints.

Strategic Initiatives

• Over the years, the DAC has initiated several reforms to modernize India's defense procurement process, including the introduction of the Defense Procurement Procedure (DPP) and the Strategic Partnership Model. These initiatives aim to promote indigenization, foster collaboration with the private sector, and enhance self-reliance in defense production.

Role in Defense Modernization

• The DAC plays a crucial role in India's defense modernization efforts by prioritizing critical acquisitions, fostering innovation, and leveraging international partnerships to enhance the country's defense capabilities.

Challenges and Future Directions

• Despite its efforts, the DAC faces challenges such as bureaucratic delays, budgetary constraints, and complex procurement procedures. Going forward, the council aims to streamline decision-making processes, promote indigenous defense manufacturing, and leverage emerging technologies to bolster India's defense preparedness in an evolving security environment.

Recent Acquisition

• The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved contracts worth approximately Rs 84,560 crore, for enhancing India's overall defence requirements and infrastructure.
• The approved procurements include a wide array of essentials, such as weaponry, armoured vehicles, advanced communication systems, and requisite surveillance equipment.
• DAC has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) category. This includes the procurement of a new generation of Anti-tank mines equipped with seismic sensors and remote deactivation capabilities, incorporating additional safety features. The aim is to bolster operational efficiency and dominance in the Tactical Battle Area, enabling engagement with targets Beyond Visual Line of Sight by the Mechanised Forces.
• AoN has been accorded for the acquisition of a Canister Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Munition System, enhancing the capability to engage targets effectively. This move is aligned with the commitment to indigenous development (IDDM) and aims to strengthen the country's defence capabilities.

PRACTICE QUESTION Who heads the Defence Acquisition Council? Defence Minister Defence Secretary Chief of the Defence Staff Director General (Acquisition) Answer A