NEW DELHI: The Central government has sanctioned the arms procurement proposals worth over Rs 28,000 crore, including swarm drones, bullet-proof jackets and close-quarter battle carbines. The proposals were cleared on July 26  by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

These proposals will help strengthen  the overall combat prowess of the armed forces along the northern and western borders. "The Acceptance of Necessity for capital acquisition proposals of the armed forces amounting to Rs 28,732 crore were sanctioned  by the Defence Acquisition Council," the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

The approval to the new procurement proposals came in the midst of India's lingering border row with China in eastern Ladakh.

The Defense Ministry said the approval to procure 4 lakh close-quarter battle carbines was granted to combat the "current complex model of conventional and hybrid warfare" and terrorism at the borders.

"To combat the current complex paradigm of conventional and hybrid warfare and counter-terrorism at the borders, “Acceptance of Necessity” for induction of nearly  4 lakh of close quarter battle carbines for the services have also been sanctioned by the Defence Acquisition Council," it said.

The Ministry said the decision is set to provide a major impetus to the small arms manufacturing industry in the country and enhance self-reliance in small arms.

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