Why in the News?
The Defence Acquisition Council chaired by Rajnath Singh has granted Acceptance of Necessity for defence procurement proposals worth about ₹3.6 lakh crore, including 114 Rafale fighter jets and six P-8I aircraft.
About Defence Acquisition Council
- Apex decision making body for capital procurement in the Ministry of Defence after the Kargil War of 1999.
- Headed by the Defence Minister
- Grants Acceptance of Necessity, which is the first formal step in defence procurement
- Functions under the framework of the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020
Composition
- The council is chaired by the Defence Minister (Raksha Mantri). Key members include the Chief of Defence Staff, the three Service Chiefs (Army, Navy, Air Force), and the Defence Secretary, with the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Planning & Procurement) as Member Secretary.
Key Points: Recent procurement proposals:
- Acceptance of Necessity (AoN): First stage of capital procurement approval under Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020.
- Indian Air Force: 114 Rafale Multi Role Fighter Aircraft, combat missiles, and High Altitude Pseudo Satellite for ISR and ELINT roles.
- Indian Navy: Six P-8I long range maritime reconnaissance aircraft for anti submarine warfare and maritime strike capability.
- Indian Army: Procurement of Vibhav anti tank mines and overhaul of T-72, BMP II and armoured recovery vehicles.
| [2024] Consider the following aircraft:
1. Rafael 2. MiG-29 3. Tejas MK-1 How many of the above are considered fifth generation fighter aircraft? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
