Embraer Aircraft, S-400, Drones: Big-Ticket Defence Buys on Agenda at Rajnath Singh-Led DAC Next Meet

New Delhi: Command post vehicles for the Indian Army's air defence, Brazilian Embraer aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and drones and counter-drone systems will be on the agenda for the next meeting

of the Defence Acquisition Council, headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on December 26.While the acquisition of six Embraers from Brazil is already a done deal (the request for purchase or RFP, already in the process), there are changes in the paperwork that require DAC clearance. These are used planes and on them will be fitted the Netra, the airborne warning and control system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation). India already has three, but the IAF needs six more, keeping in mind India's long borders, and the first will arrive in three-four years.Recent conflicts, whether it's the Russia-Ukraine war or the one between Armenia and Azerbaijan have shown the need for drones, for carrying munitions and also, for reconnaissance. So, drones with a range of about 100 km - "about 150 systems," according to highly-placed sources are on the anvil.ALSO READ | Two Top US Diplomats To Join India Mission Before Ambassador Sergio Gor - Who Are They?A large number of Indian firms are making drones and this approximately Rs 1800 crore deal will be important. Another focus area is counter drone systems, and here too, Indian manufacturers have achieved considerable success. These too are on the agenda.The Army Air Defence (AAD), after Operation Sindoor--the counter-terrorism strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir earlier this year--is keen to have more command posts. This is where basic data, video feeds and other information come in.ALSO READ | Will Oman Hand Over 20 Jaguar Fighter Jets to India And Why IAF Need Them?A command post can be at different levels, whether it is for a battalion or a brigade, for example, and in these posts, the battle can be orchestrated.TIMES NOW has already spoken of the purchase of about 280 rockets for the S-400 air-defence systems from Russia before the visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin. This Rs 10,000 crore deal is for rockets to make up for the ones used during Operation Sindoor and a few extra ones.India has three S-400 systems and Russia has promised to deliver two two more to the IAF next year. That apart, India is keen to have five more systems.The DAC, headed by defence minister Singh, includes top level officials including minister of state Sanjay Seth, chief of defence staff General Anil Chauhan, the three chiefs, the defence secretary and the head of the DRDO. Once the DAC accepts the necessity of a purchase, negotiations can begin.