The defense ministry approved the procurement of future-ready combat vehicles (FRCVs) to modernize the Army's tank fleet, as well as air defense fire control radars, on Tuesday.

The recommendations were approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The DAC "accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 10 capital acquisition proposals amounting to Rs 1,44,716 crore," the ministry said in a statement. It claimed that 99 percent of the entire cost of the AoNs comes from indigenous sources under the "Buy (Indian)" and "Buy (lndian-Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured)" categories.

"For modernisation of the tank fleet of the Indian Army, the proposal for procurement of Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) has been cleared," said the announcement.

The FRCVs will be futuristic main battle tanks with greater mobility, all-terrain capability, many layers of protection, precision and lethal firepower, and real-time situational awareness. An AoN was also issued for the purchase of air defense fire control radars, which will identify and track airborne targets and provide shooting solutions.

"The application has also been authorized for the Forward Repair Team (Tracked), which has the necessary cross-country mobility to perform in-situ repairs during mechanised operations. Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited conceived and produced this equipment, which is approved for use by both mechanised infantry battalions and armoured regiments, according to the statement.

Three AoNs have been granted to strengthen the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The procurement of Dornier-228 aircraft, next-generation fast patrol vessels with high operational features in rough weather conditions, and next-generation offshore patrol vessels with advanced technology and enhanced long-range operations will improve the ICG's ability to conduct maritime surveillance, patrolling, search-and-rescue, and disaster relief operations, according to the statement.

Toward the close of the meeting, the defence minister took a moment to remember the late ICG DG Rakesh Pal, who was also a member of the DAC. Pal died after a heart attack in Chennai on August 18, according to the announcement. Singh noted Pal's significant contribution to the ICG's growth and expansion.

On behalf of the defence ministry, he sent the dead family his profound condolences, prayers, and unshakable support. In a solemn homage, all DAC members stood for a minute of silence to pay their respects to the late DG, whose legacy will continue to inspire, according to the statement.