DAC approves Implementation Guidelines to ensure timely delivery of equipment to Armed Forces

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on July 30, 2018 approved the Implementation Guidelines for the ‘Strategic Partnership Model’ to ensure timely delivery of equipment to all the Armed Forces.

Highlights of the Strategic Partnership Model

• The Strategic Partnership Model aims to revitalise Defence Industrial Ecosystem and progressively build indigenous capabilities in the private sector to design, develop and manufacture complex weapon systems for the Armed Forces.

• The guidelines lay emphasis on incentivisation of transfer of technology and Global Majors, who in collaboration with Indian Partners are ready to make India a regional and global manufacturing hub.

• This will encourage self-reliance and align the defence sector with the 'Make in India ' initiative of the Government.

• It will enhance competition, increase efficiencies, facilitate faster and more significant absorption of technology, create a tiered industrial ecosystem and ensure development of a wider skill base.

Procurement of Naval Utility Helicopters

• In order to convert policy into implementable directions, the DAC approved platform specific guidelines for procurement of Naval Utility Helicopters.

• All procurements under the SP Model would be executed by specially constituted Empowered Project Committees (EPC) to provide focussed attention and ensure timely execution.

Acquisition of 8 Fast Patrol Vessels

• The DAC also approved the acquisition of 8 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard under 'Buy (lndian-lDDM)' category at an approximate cost of Rs 800 crore.

• These vessels will be indigenously designed and manufactured to strengthen maritime security.

• The vessels will undertake day and night patrolling and policing of the Maritime Zones of India including interception of vessels and personnel engaged in anti-sabotage anti-terrorist, anti-smuggling operations.

• FPVs will also provide assistance for Search and Rescue medical evacuation, disaster relief operations, and assistance during pollution response operations, etc.