New Delhi : Overhauled tanks for the Army, tugs for the Navy, and simulators for the Air Force (IAF), and more. When the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, meets on December 26, all these issues (and more) will be on the agenda.
India’s main battle tank is the Russian-designed T-90, and even during the Galwan crisis and after, they were deployed along parts of the line of actual control. On the agenda is the overhaul of approximately four regiments of the T-90, being manufactured under license in the country. An “,overhaul,” highly-placed sources said is a “factory reset,” and major parts of the tank, including the engine and the gun barrel, are changed. This naturally applies to the older T-90s, the first ones that were procured. If kits are available, the overhaul will take less time.
Tugs, which move warships and submarines into and out of harbours, are required, and the Navy wants ten. They are small vessels, 50-100 tons, and are built in India, another boost for Atmanirbharata or self-reliance.
Along with the tugs, the Navy wants SDR software radios, for, as highly placed sources said, “to enhance reception and ensure clarity in the electromagnetic spectrum.”
With the Tejas light combat aircraft joining the IAF’s fighter fleet in the near future, fuel mission simulators will be required. The IAF wants seven fuel mission simulators to train air-crew in aircraft fuel system management, air-to-air refuelling, and long-term planning. The IAF also wants automatic take and landing recording systems, very sophisticated systems that, apart from automatic takeoff and landing, involves flight data recorders and easier flight controls. It also helps to fly planes when visibility is very low and during bad weather.
The DAC will have another look at the Army’s GSQR or General Staff Qualitative Requirement, and if necessary make amendments. The GSQR defines the quality standards necessary for all new weaponry and other equipment being acquired. The DAC, besides the minister, includes the minister of state, the chief of defence staff, the three chiefs, the defence secretary and the Defence Research and Development Organisation chief.
