MoD signs 13 contracts worth nearly Rs 2,000 crore to beef up Army's counter-terrorism capabilities
'These contracts, amounting to Rs 1,981.90 crore, have been finalised against an overall sanctioned outlay of Rs 2,000 crore for the Indian Army,' the statement said.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the ministry said the contracts were concluded through the emergency procurement drive to facilitate the rapid induction of critical equipment.
New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has finalised thirteen contracts worth Rs 1,981.90 crore under the Emergency Procurement (EP) mechanism to equip the Indian Army with systems that strengthen its counterterrorism capabilities.
Describing the acquisitions as part of broader efforts to address 'emerging security challenges' in terrorism-affected and border-sensitive areas, the statement said the objective is to 'enhance situational awareness, lethality, mobility and protection for troops deployed in CT (counterterrorism) environments'.
Among the systems being acquired are Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems (IDDIS), which are designed to detect and neutralise hostile unmanned aerial vehicles using a combination of radar, sensors and jamming technologies.
The army is also procuring Low-Level Lightweight Radars (LLLR), intended to detect low-flying targets, including drones, particularly in terrain where conventional radar coverage is limited.
Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), including missiles and launchers, are also part of the package, the statement said. These systems provide frontline units with close-range protection against aerial threats.
The army is also acquiring Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicles (RPAVs) for tactical surveillance and intelligence-gathering, along with loitering munitions capable of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL). A variety of tactical drones suited for reconnaissance, surveillance and logistics support are also being procured.
On Monday, ThePrint had reported that the Indian Army had signed a Rs 137 crore-contract with Mumbai-based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturer ideaForge under the emergency procurement mechanism, for the supply of hybrid mini surveillance UAV systems with VTOL capabilities.
'Bridging urgent capability gaps'
Further, in terms of soldier protection and mobility, the statement said that the army has signed contracts for bulletproof jackets and ballistic helmets, and is procuring Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles (QRFVs) in both heavy and medium variants to improve armoured mobility in high-threat zones. Night sights for rifles are also being procured to enhance targeting accuracy in low-light conditions.
All systems being procured are described in the statement as 'mission-critical and completely indigenous,' with the EP mechanism being described as a 'key enabler in bridging urgent capability gaps and ensuring timely induction of vital operational equipment'.
The sixth phase of the emergency procurement drive was confirmed Friday by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. He said that following Operation Sindoor, the government granted emergency financial powers to the three services, enabling them to use up to 15 percent of their capital budgets for the urgent procurement of ammunition and equipment.
The mechanism was activated in mid-May after operational assessments identified critical requirements, allowing the services to directly acquire systems deemed essential for national security.
(Edited by Sanya Mathur)
Also Read: Trust with China low post Op Sindoor, says Defence Secy; terms Trump-Munir meeting 'very strange'
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