UPSC Articles
AK-203 deal approved
Part of: Prelims and GS-III – Defence and security
Context The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the long-pending deal for the manufacture of 6.71 lakh AK-203 Russian assault rifles in India.
Key takeaways
- The two countries had signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) in 2019.
- A joint venture was later set up at Korwa in Uttar Pradesh for manufacturing the rifles.
- Igla-S Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) systems may receive clearance soon.
- A proposal for the procurement of the GSAT-7C communication satellite for the Indian Air Force (IAF) has also been approved.
- Advantage: Induction of the GSAT-7C satellite and ground hubs for Software Defined Radios (SDRs) will enhance the ability of the armed forces to communicate beyond Line of Sight (LoS).
What is the Defence Acquisition Council?
- It is the highest decision-making body in the Defence Ministry.
- It decides new policies and capital acquisitions for the three services (Army, Navy and Air Force) and the Indian Coast Guard.
- Chairman: Minister of Defence
- It was formed, after the Group of Ministers recommendations on ‘Reforming the National Security System’, in 2001, post Kargil War (1999).
