Procurement to Boost Counter Terrorism: MOD Clears ₹2,000 crore

The Ministry of Defence, on 24th June, concluded 13 contracts under the Emergency Procurement (EP) Mechanism. These contracts amount to ₹1,981.90 crore, finalised against a sanctioned outlay of ₹2,000 crore for the Indian Army.

The Ministry of Defence released an announcement. The aim of these EP contracts is to enhance the Indian Army’s ‘operational readiness.’ This readiness is specifically for counter-terrorism operations.  This will enhance situational awareness, lethality, mobility, and protection for troops engaged in counter-terrorism operations. The compressed timelines will ensure rapid capacity building.

These procurements reflect the Ministry’s commitment to equipping the Indian Army with modern systems. They are mission-critical and completely indigenous. These systems are designed to meet emerging security challenges.

Also read: MoD Signs ₹2,500 Crore Defence Contracts to Strengthen Indigenous Capabilities

What equipment is being procured?

• Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems (IDDIS)
• Low Level Lightweight Radars (LLLR)
• Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS)- Launchers and Missiles
• Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicles (RPAVs)
• Loitering Munitions, including Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) systems
• Various categories of drones
• Bullet Proof Jackets (BPJs)
• Ballistic Helmets
• Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles (QRFVs) – Heavy and Medium
• Night Sights for Rifles

These procurements are significant in the context of Operation Sindoor. Operation Sindoor was launched last month against terror infrastructure inside Pakistan. This led to retaliatory strikes between the two countries for three days before reaching a ceasefire.

What is Emergency Procurement Mechanism?

Emergency defence procurement power allows the armed forces to bypass standard procurement timelines for urgent military needs. Under this, the equipment is delivered within 3 to 6 months. The powers are activated during conflict, tensions, or natural disasters. Financial limits are set, allowing the military to directly negotiate for each procurement cycle. This is the sixth phase of emergency procurements. To ensure oversight, a high-level defence ministry committee ensures that rules are followed and no irregularities occur in large contracts.

The Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh made a statement last week. He informed that the government had enabled the three services to use up to 15 percent of their capital budgets. This allocation is for urgent purchases. This emergency power includes urgent purchases of ammunition and equipment to replenish the operational stocks. Now, the tri-services have initiated fast-track procurement of the needed equipment until November.

Previous instances of EP powers being invoked

Earlier, emergency powers have been granted to the Armed Forces during the Ladakh standoff of 2020. These powers were also granted during the Balakot airstrike in February 2019 and the surgical strikes of 2016. Due to the extended military standoff with China from 2020 to 2024, fast-tracked military procurements continued. 

The Armed Forces have procured hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles, loitering munitions, swarm drones, and counter-UAV systems. This procurement has taken place over the last four years. They were sourced from both foreign and domestic manufacturers. These systems are used for attack, surveillance, and logistics purposes. The three services also individually procured a range of anti-drone systems from Indian firms.
The HAMMER air-to-ground precision-guided weapon system is for the Rafale fighter jets. It is part of the weapon systems bought under the EP mechanism. This includes Spice Bombs. The Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS) is also part of the purchase. Additionally, the procurement includes armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot (APFSDS) ammunition for the Army’s T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks.

Over the past few years, the EP has continuously helped bridge urgent capability gaps. It has ensured timely induction of vital operational equipment. 

For all latest updates Follow theviralmail on X, Facebook, and Instagram