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Counter-drone systems, VSHORADS...: India signs Rs 1,981 cr emergency deals to boost Army's counter-terror capabilities
India has signed 13 emergency contracts worth ₹1,981.90 crore to strengthen the Indian Army's counter-terrorism capabilities. The fast-tracked deals include drones, anti-drone systems, radars, and bulletproof gear. This comes days after Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps in Pakistan. read more
A staff cleans Akash, a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile defense system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The Akash played a significant role in Operation Sindoor, thwarting Pakistan's rain of drones and missiles. File image/AFP
The Ministry of Defence has signed 13 contracts worth ₹1,981.90 crore under the Emergency Procurement (EP) mechanism to boost the Army's counter-terrorism capabilities, The Indian Express reported.
According to the report, the deals cover a wide range of equipment, including remotely piloted aerial vehicles (RPAVs), loitering munitions, drones, anti-drone systems, very short-range air defence systems (VSHORADs), and radars. These are aimed at enhancing the troops' situational awareness, mobility, firepower, and protection during counter-terror operations.
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The move comes shortly after India launched Operation Sindoor, during which Indian forces targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan. This triggered three days of retaliatory strikes between the two countries before a ceasefire was reached. India inflicted heavy damage on several Pakistani bases and military sites.
The emergency procurement process allows for the fast-tracked delivery of equipment, unlike the standard defence procurement procedure, which typically takes longer. This marks the sixth phase of such emergency acquisitions.
According to the Defence Ministry, key equipment being acquired under the EP mechanism includes Integrated Drone Detection and Interception Systems (IDDIS), Low-Level Lightweight Radars (LLLR), and VSHORAD (Very Short Range Air Defence) launchers and missiles.
The list also features loitering munitions with Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) capability, bulletproof jackets, ballistic helmets, Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles (QRFVs) — in both heavy and medium variants — and night sights for rifles.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Defence Ministry confirmed that the 13 contracts signed under the EP mechanism are valued at ₹1,981.90 crore, finalised from a total approved outlay of ₹2,000 crore for the Indian Army.
The ministry added that these acquisitions were completed within compressed timelines to ensure rapid enhancement of operational capability.
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