DAC gives nod to purchase indigenous defence systems

Subject: Polity

Recently, DAC gave nod to purchase indigenous defence systems amounting to Rs. 4,276 crore.
These include helicopter-launched Nag missiles and BrahMos cruise missile launchers for ships

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)

The DAC is the highest decision-making body of the defence Ministry on procurement.
The defence minister is the chairman of DAC.
Its members include Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force.
The main objective of the DAC is to ensure expeditious procurement of the approved requirements of the armed forces.
It was formed, after the Group of Ministers recommendations on ‘Reforming the National Security System’, in 2001, post Kargil War (1999).

Functions of DAC includes

Give in principle approval of a 15 years Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP) for defence forces.
Accord of acceptance of necessity to acquisition proposals.
Categorisation of the acquisition proposals relating to ‘Buy’, ‘Buy & Make’ and ‘Make’.
Look into issues relating to single vendor clearance.
Take decisions regarding ‘offset’ provisions in respect of acquisition proposals above Rs 300 crore.
Take decisions regarding Transfer of Technology under the ‘Buy & Make’ category of acquisition proposals.