Defence Acquisition Council (DAC): Latest Approvals, Functions, Composition and Significance for UPSC

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved capital acquisition proposals for several advanced weapon systems, strengthening India’s defence preparedness and promoting indigenous military capabilities. The latest approvals include the AKASH TARANG Electronic Warfare System, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM), and Very Short Range Air Defence System (V-SHORADS).

The DAC is the highest decision-making body under the Ministry of Defence for approving capital defence procurement and plays a crucial role in modernising the Indian Armed Forces.

Latest Defence Acquisition Council Approvals

1. AKASH TARANG

AKASH TARANG is an Electronic Warfare (EW) system designed to counter Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

Key Features

• Jams GPS/GNSS signals used by drones.
• Disrupts communication links between drones and operators.
• Enhances protection of strategic military installations.
• Strengthens India’s anti-drone capabilities.

2. Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM)

The MR-SAM is a jointly developed air defence missile system by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

Key Features

• Based on the Barak-8 missile platform.
• Effective range of over 70 km.
• Capable of intercepting aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, cruise missiles, and guided weapons.
• Provides area air defence for the Armed Forces.

3. Very Short Range Air Defence System (V-SHORADS)

V-SHORADS is an indigenously developed Man-Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS).

Key Features

• Designed to engage low-altitude aerial threats.
• Portable and deployable by infantry troops.
• Effective against helicopters, drones, and low-flying aircraft.
• Enhances tactical air defence at the battlefield level.

What is the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)?

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is the highest decision-making authority under the Ministry of Defence responsible for approving capital defence procurement.

It ensures timely acquisition of modern military equipment while promoting self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Establishment of DAC

• Established: 2001
• Formed following the recommendations of the Group of Ministers (GoM) after the Kargil War (1999).
• Created to streamline and expedite defence procurement.

Chairperson of DAC

The Defence Minister of India serves as the Chairperson of the Defence Acquisition Council.

Members of DAC

The Council includes:

• Defence Minister (Chairperson)
• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
• Chief of the Army Staff
• Chief of the Naval Staff
• Chief of the Air Staff
• Senior officials of the Ministry of Defence

Functions of the Defence Acquisition Council

The DAC performs several important functions:

• Grants Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals.
• Provides in-principle approval for defence procurement.
• Approves procurement under the Long-Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP).
• Promotes indigenous defence manufacturing.
• Accelerates modernization of the Armed Forces.
• Ensures transparency and efficiency in defence acquisitions.

What is Acceptance of Necessity (AoN)?

Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) is the first and most important stage in India’s defence procurement process.

Once AoN is granted:

• The operational requirement is formally accepted.
• Procurement procedures begin.
• Financial approval and bidding processes are initiated.

AoN does not mean the contract has been awarded; it only authorizes the procurement process.

Significance of the Latest DAC Approvals

The recent approvals are significant because they:

• Strengthen India’s air defence network.
• Improve anti-drone warfare capabilities.
• Enhance battlefield survivability.
• Promote indigenous defence technologies.
• Support the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
• Improve military readiness against emerging aerial threats.

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