India approves military equipment procurement
India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved procurement of equipment valued at $1.25 billion for the Indian defence forces, the Indian Ministry of Defence announced on 18 September.
Approved projects include the acquisition of two regiments of Akash missile systems from Bharat Dynamics for the protection of critical equipment. The missile is an upgraded version of previously inducted Akash missiles with seeker technology, providing 360° coverage in a compact configuration with reduced signature.
The DAC also approved a programme to progress the design and development of individual underwater breathing apparatus (IUWBA) for T-90 tanks. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO's) Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Lab, the IUWBA will be used by tank crews as safety gear to enable emergency escape when negotiating water obstacles while deep fording.
Additionally, a project will be undertaken for the design and development of test equipment for the guided weapons system of the T- 90 tank, being developed by the DRDO.
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