Sources from the Defence Ministry have informed that the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is expected to approve projects exceeding Rs.1.3 lakh crore during its meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 3.

The Indian government is preparing to approve a series of significant defense projects, totaling an impressive Rs.1.3 lakh crore. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to review and potentially sanction these high-profile initiatives.

Major Defense Projects Under Review
The DAC is expected to approve a substantial tender worth approximately Rs.70,000 crore for Indian shipyards under the 'Make in India' initiative. This includes both public and private sector shipyards.

Indian Navy's Project 17 Bravo
A key project under discussion is the Indian Navy's Project 17 Bravo, which involves constructing seven advanced stealth frigates. Valued at around Rs.70,000 crore, this project aims to significantly enhance the Navy’s capabilities with state-of-the-art warships.

Mazagon Dockyards Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) are the main contenders for this project. MDL is currently building four frigates under Project 17A, while GRSE is handling three.

The tender for Project 17 Bravo is likely to be directed at Category A shipyards such as MDL, GRSE, Goa Shipyard Limited, and Larsen & Toubro. The goal is to speed up the project by potentially splitting the order between two shipyards.

Indian Army's Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCV) Initiative
The Indian Army is also planning a major upgrade to its armored forces. The Army seeks to acquire 1,700 Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) to replace its aging fleet of T-72 tanks, with an estimated cost exceeding Rs.50,000 crore. This initiative aims to modernize the Army’s tanks and infantry combat vehicles, enhancing operational readiness across various terrains.

The FRCVs will be produced under the Make-1 procedure of the Defence Acquisition Procedure, with over 60% of the content expected to be indigenous. Companies such as Bharat Forge and Larsen & Toubro are likely to participate in the tender. Additionally, the Army is expected to propose acquiring approximately 100 BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles.

Strategic Context and Challenges
These upgrades come amid China's growing military presence and strategic maneuvers in the region. China has been expanding its naval influence and military infrastructure, including research vessels in Sri Lanka and an airstrip on Myanmar's Great Coco Island, which is near India's strategic naval bases. Additionally, China is set to conduct a joint naval exercise with Pakistan in the Arabian Sea in January next year.

China’s activities also include enhancing its People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) base in Djibouti, transforming it from a refueling facility to one capable of repair and refurbishment.

Upcoming DAC Meeting
The DAC meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, will include the Chief of Defence Staff, the three service chiefs, and the Defence Secretary. The meeting will focus on approving these critical defense projects, which reflect India’s commitment to bolstering self-reliance in defense manufacturing and modernizing its military assets.

By investing in domestic production and upgrading military capabilities, India aims to strengthen its national security and defense infrastructure.

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