India likely to allow defence forces to buy critical weapons systems under emergency acquisition powers | India News
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NEW DELHI: India is likely to allow defence forces to buy critical weapons systems under emergency acquisition powers. It would allow forces to acquire any new or in-service equipment on a fast-track basis to improve preparedness for conflict situations.
According to government sources, the discussion on granting emergency acquisition powers to the defence forces is likely to take place in a high-level defence ministry meeting next week.
The powers were first granted to defence forces post-Uri surgical strikes in 2016. The emergency powers have proved beneficial in tackling the military standoff with China going on since May 2020.
Earlier, the defence forces had the power to sign deals for equipment worth Rs 300 crore and the products had to be delivered within three months to one year, the sources said.
“The armed forces have to spend funds on the new acquisitions from their own budgetary allocation and they don’t have to take the defence ministry’s approval for these deals,” they added.
The defence forces have strengthened their preparedness through these acquisitions as the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Army received ‘Heron’ unmanned aerial vehicles which have now been deployed for surveillance in Ladakh as well as in the northeast for keeping an eye on Chinese activities.
The forces have also got missiles which can hit ground targets from long ranges. The Rafale fighter jets have also received a boost with the induction of the HAMMER missiles which can hit hardened ground targets like bunkers from a long distance.
The Army and the IAF also used these powers to strengthen their small arms as the Sig Sauer assault rifles have been inducted into all three forces now.
Indian armed forces extensively utilised the emergency procurement powers granted to them in different phases by the government to equip themselves with the necessary weaponry to handle any conflict or aggression by enemies on both sides.
The powers are being granted to the defence forces yet again by the government at a time when China is showing aggressive manoeuvres on the Taiwan front and holding multiple missile firings and indulging in display of strength in the region.
On the other hand, Pakistani agencies are also trying to carry out operations along the maritime border with India near the Gujarat coast.
– With agency inputs
According to government sources, the discussion on granting emergency acquisition powers to the defence forces is likely to take place in a high-level defence ministry meeting next week.
The powers were first granted to defence forces post-Uri surgical strikes in 2016. The emergency powers have proved beneficial in tackling the military standoff with China going on since May 2020.
Earlier, the defence forces had the power to sign deals for equipment worth Rs 300 crore and the products had to be delivered within three months to one year, the sources said.
“The armed forces have to spend funds on the new acquisitions from their own budgetary allocation and they don’t have to take the defence ministry’s approval for these deals,” they added.
The defence forces have strengthened their preparedness through these acquisitions as the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Army received ‘Heron’ unmanned aerial vehicles which have now been deployed for surveillance in Ladakh as well as in the northeast for keeping an eye on Chinese activities.
The forces have also got missiles which can hit ground targets from long ranges. The Rafale fighter jets have also received a boost with the induction of the HAMMER missiles which can hit hardened ground targets like bunkers from a long distance.
The Army and the IAF also used these powers to strengthen their small arms as the Sig Sauer assault rifles have been inducted into all three forces now.
Indian armed forces extensively utilised the emergency procurement powers granted to them in different phases by the government to equip themselves with the necessary weaponry to handle any conflict or aggression by enemies on both sides.
The powers are being granted to the defence forces yet again by the government at a time when China is showing aggressive manoeuvres on the Taiwan front and holding multiple missile firings and indulging in display of strength in the region.
On the other hand, Pakistani agencies are also trying to carry out operations along the maritime border with India near the Gujarat coast.
– With agency inputs
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