NEW DELHI: The Defence Ministry has given the green light for the procurement of advanced navigation systems for the Indian Army's armoured fighting vehicles and 22 interceptor boats for the Coast Guard. This decision was made during a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday.

The cost of these acquisitions has not been disclosed. The DAC reviewed several other capital acquisition proposals during the meeting, though further details were not provided by the ministry.

The ministry announced the approval for the Advanced Land Navigation System (ALNS) for the Indian Army’s armoured fighting vehicles. This new system, ALNS Mk-II, boasts high encryption and is spoof-proof. It is compatible with the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NAVIC), as well as the Global Positioning System (GPS) and Global Navigation Satellite System.

The ALNS Mk-II will integrate seamlessly with defence series maps, ensuring high accuracy in navigation for the vehicles. This equipment will be procured from Bharat Electronics Limited, Chennai, under the Buy Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) category.

Additionally, the DAC approved the procurement of 22 interceptor boats for the Indian Coast Guard. These boats are equipped with state-of-the-art systems for quick interception and are capable of operating in shallow waters. They will enhance coastal surveillance, patrolling, search and rescue operations, and medical evacuations.

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