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The Ministry of Defence has recently finalized 13 contracts worth ₹1,981.90 crore under the Emergency Procurement (EP) mechanism, signaling a significant push to enhance the operational readiness of the Indian Army. This move underscores the government’s commitment to equipping the armed forces with modern and indigenous systems to address evolving security challenges. The acquisitions focus on a range of crucial equipment, including loitering munitions, counter-drone systems, Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADs), and radars, all aimed at improving situational awareness, lethality, mobility, and protection for troops deployed in counter-terrorism environments. The EP mechanism, designed for fast-track deliveries, bypasses the lengthy procurement processes typically associated with planned defense capital and revenue procurements. This streamlined approach allows the Indian Army to rapidly acquire essential equipment and address urgent capability gaps, ensuring a swift and effective response to emerging threats. This latest round of contracts marks the sixth phase of emergency procurements, highlighting the continued reliance on this mechanism to bolster the military's capabilities in a timely manner. The urgency behind these acquisitions is further emphasized by recent events, including Operation Sindoor and subsequent retaliatory strikes between India and Pakistan, underscoring the need for a robust and well-equipped defense force capable of responding to a wide range of security challenges. The procured systems are expected to significantly enhance the Indian Army's ability to detect and neutralize threats, protect its personnel, and maintain a decisive edge in operational environments. The focus on indigenous systems also reflects the government's broader efforts to promote self-reliance in defense production and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
The key equipment being procured under the EP mechanism includes Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems (IDDIS), Low Level Lightweight Radars (LLLR), and VSHORADs, along with launchers and missiles. These systems are crucial for detecting, tracking, and neutralizing aerial threats, providing a layered defense against unmanned aerial vehicles and other airborne adversaries. The inclusion of loitering munitions, including Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) systems, further enhances the Army's offensive capabilities, allowing for precision strikes against targets at extended ranges. The procurement of bulletproof jackets (BPJs), ballistic helmets, and Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles (QRFVs) – Heavy and Medium, demonstrates a focus on improving the protection and mobility of troops deployed in high-risk environments. Night Sights for Rifles are also included in the list, enhancing the Army's ability to operate effectively in low-light conditions. The Defence Ministry's statement highlights the compressed timelines within which these acquisitions were completed, underscoring the urgency and importance attached to these procurements. The ministry emphasizes that these procurements reflect its commitment to equipping the Indian Army with modern, mission-critical, and completely indigenous systems to meet emerging security challenges. The EP route continues to be a key enabler in bridging urgent capability gaps and ensuring the timely induction of vital operational equipment. This proactive approach to defense procurement ensures that the Indian Army remains well-equipped and prepared to face a wide range of threats and challenges.
The government's decision to grant emergency powers to the three services, allowing them to use up to 15 percent of their capital budgets for urgent purchases of ammunition and equipment, further underscores its commitment to maintaining a high level of operational readiness. This financial autonomy allows the services to rapidly replenish operational stocks and address critical shortages, ensuring that they are always prepared to respond to emerging threats. Defence officials have noted that fast-track acquisitions of a range of modern platforms, weapons, ammunition, and other accessories in the last five years have significantly enhanced the Indian military's capabilities by bolstering its inventory. These acquisitions have played a crucial role in modernizing the armed forces and enhancing their ability to respond effectively to a wide range of security challenges. The three services have identified and initiated what needs to be procured on a fast-track basis till November, considering the current security situation. This proactive approach to procurement ensures that the armed forces are continuously improving their capabilities and addressing emerging threats in a timely manner. The emergency powers for procurements were initially granted to the Armed Forces when the Ladakh standoff with China began in 2020, and also after the Balakot airstrike in February 2019 and the 2016 surgical strikes. These events highlighted the need for a more agile and responsive procurement process, leading to the adoption of the EP mechanism.
The majority of defense procurements that were fast-tracked began in 2020 and continued over the next four years with repeated extensions on emergency powers granted to the military, in the backdrop of a military standoff between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh. This prolonged standoff underscored the need for a sustained effort to modernize the armed forces and enhance their ability to defend India's borders. Hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles, loitering munitions, swarm drones, and counter-UAV systems have been procured by the Armed Forces over the last four years, from both foreign and domestic manufacturers, for attack, surveillance, and logistics purposes. These acquisitions have significantly enhanced the Army's ability to monitor and respond to threats in a wide range of environments. The three services also individually procured a range of anti-drone systems from Indian firms, demonstrating a commitment to promoting indigenous defense production. A range of weapon systems, such as the HAMMER air-to-ground precision-guided weapon system for the Rafale fighter jets, Spice Bombs, and Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS) and armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot (APFSDS) ammunition for the Army’s T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks, have been bought under emergency powers. These acquisitions have significantly enhanced the firepower and effectiveness of the Indian armed forces.
In conclusion, the recent contracts finalized by the Ministry of Defence under the Emergency Procurement mechanism represent a significant step towards enhancing the operational readiness and capabilities of the Indian Army. The focus on modern, indigenous systems, combined with the streamlined procurement process, ensures that the armed forces are well-equipped to address emerging security challenges and maintain a decisive edge in operational environments. The government's commitment to promoting self-reliance in defense production and providing the armed forces with the resources they need to defend India's borders is evident in these recent acquisitions. The EP mechanism has proven to be a valuable tool for rapidly addressing urgent capability gaps and ensuring that the Indian military remains a formidable force capable of protecting the nation's interests.