Emergency Procurement Route Facilitates Army’s Acquisition of Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems

Sub: Sci

Sec: Defence

Why in News

The Indian Army is utilizing the emergency procurement (EP) route to acquire man-portable Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) systems after multiple unsuccessful attempts to finalize these critical acquisitions since 2020.

VSHORAD Systems:

VSHORAD systems are portable surface-to-air missile systems designed to engage low-altitude aerial threats, such as aircraft and helicopters, within a short range, typically up to 6 kilometres.
They provide immediate air defence capabilities to ground forces, acting as the last line of defence against enemy air attacks.
Igla-S VSHORAD Systems from Russia: The Igla-S, also known by its NATO designation SA-24 Grinch, is a Russian man-portable infrared homing surface-to-air missile system.
- Maximum velocity of 570 meters per second (approximately Mach 1.9).
- Utilizes dual waveband infrared homing for target acquisition and engagement.
Star streak Missiles from Thales UK & Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL): Star streak is a British man-portable surface-to-air missile system developed to provide close air defence against high-speed aerial targets.
- Considered one of the fastest short-range surface-to-air missiles, with a velocity exceeding Mach 3.
- Laser-guided system that directs three tungsten darts to the target, increasing the likelihood of a successful hit.

Emergency Procurement (EP) Mechanism:

The EP route enables armed forces to procure weapons and equipment worth up to ₹300 crore on an urgent basis.
The procurement process does not require additional clearances, allowing faster acquisitions.
Deliveries must begin within six months and be completed within one year of the contract signing.
Since 2016, the EP route has been activated five times, with the latest iteration (EP-5) currently in progress.