India Accelerates Army’s Counter-Terror Strength with Emergency Contracts
In a decisive move to enhance its counter-terrorism readiness, India has inked 13 emergency contracts valued at ₹1,981.90 crore to equip the Indian Army with advanced defense technology. This rapid procurement drive comes on the heels of recent military operations targeting terror camps across the border.
Cutting-Edge Gear for Enhanced Battlefield Edge
The newly signed agreements encompass an array of critical equipment aimed at boosting situational awareness, mobility, and firepower during counter-terror operations. Among the acquisitions are:
- Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicles (RPAVs) and drones
- Anti-drone systems designed to neutralize hostile aerial threats
- Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS)
- Advanced radars such as Low-Level Lightweight Radars (LLLR)
- Loitering munitions with Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) capabilities
- Ballistic protection gear including bulletproof jackets and helmets
- Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles (QRFVs) in both medium and heavy categories
- Night sights for enhanced rifle accuracy during low-light operations
Context: Recent Military Action and Strategic Necessity
This surge in procurement follows Operation Sindoor, during which Indian forces targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan. The offensive sparked a series of retaliatory exchanges spanning three days, underscoring the volatile security environment and the pressing need for swift upgrades in India's defensive capabilities.
Emergency Procurement: Speeding Up Readiness
The Ministry of Defence emphasized that the contracts were finalized under the Emergency Procurement (EP) mechanism, which bypasses the usual elongated acquisition timelines. This approach ensures faster delivery and deployment of critical equipment, enabling the Army to rapidly augment its counter-terror arsenal.
This batch of contracts represents the sixth phase of emergency acquisitions, signaling continuous efforts to adapt and reinforce frontline forces promptly.
Impact and Outlook
With enhanced drone-detection systems, air defense missiles, and armored protection, the Indian Army is poised to significantly strengthen its operational effectiveness against evolving threats. The seamless integration of these technologies will improve troop safety and battlefield agility, crucial against asymmetric warfare tactics often employed by terrorist groups.
The Defence Ministry confirmed that these contracts fall within the approved budget of ₹2,000 crore allocated specifically for urgent procurement to the Army, reiterating the commitment to immediate capability enhancement.
Photo Caption: A staff member cleans the Akash medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile defense system, which has been pivotal in recent counter-drone operations. [File image]
