NEW DELHI, Sept 28: Procurement of electronic warfare systems for Jammu and Kashmir at a cost of Rs 330 crore was among Rs 1900 crore worth of proposals cleared by Defence Ministry’s top acquisition body today.
The decision by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister manohar Parrikar, assumes significance as it came 10 days after the audacious terror attack on Army Camp in Uri.
The equipment like jammers and other security systems are being procured for Army to deal with low intensity conflict in the Jammu and Kashmir.
The DAC also approved a proposal to procure anti-tank guided munitions for training purposes for Army at a cost of Rs 405 crore.
Another proposal to set up a repair facility exclusively for Scorpene submarines at Naval Dockyard in Mumbai was given go ahead. The project will cost Rs 725 crore, Defence Ministry sources said.
India had signed a USD 3.5-billion contract with French firm DCNS in October 2005 to jointly develop six Scorpene submarines. Under Project 75 of the Indian Navy, the submarines are being built at the MDL dockyard in Mumbai under license from DCNS.
A separate proposal to have a weapons repair facility for ships based in Port Blair and those which visit frontline base at a cost of Rs 450 crore was also cleared by the DAC.
Meanwhile, amid escalating tension with each passing day, pressure mounting on the Government to take decisive action in response to the Uri Attack, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today held a meeting with three service chiefs here in the South Block.
Mr Parrikar, who also convened the meeting of Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the apex decision making body in his Ministry and cleared proposals worth Rs 1900 crore, is understood to have reviewed the military preparedness during the meeting.
Officials in the Ministry were tight lipped after the meeting. “It was a routine meeting,” said an official. “Security situation, specially along the line of control was discussed in the meeting,” a source in the Ministry said.
The meeting comes a day after the Army confirmed that it has achieved an operational posture, which will allow it to exercise various options at various levels at a short notice. There were also reports that the Army has moved its assets, including artillery guns close to the disputed line of divide and fortified its positions. (Agencies)
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