The Ministry of Defence has concluded 13 contracts under the Emergency Procurement (EP) mechanism, marking a significant step towards strengthening the Indian Army’s operational readiness for counter-terrorism operations.In an official statement on Tuesday, the ministry stated that the contracts, worth ₹1,981.90 crore, were finalised against an overall sanctioned outlay of ₹2,000 crore. The procured equipment will enhance the Indian Army’s situational awareness, lethality, mobility and protection in counter-terrorism environments.“Executed through fast-track procedures under the EP mandate, the procurement aims to enhance situational awareness, lethality, mobility, and protection for troops deployed in CT environments. The acquisitions were completed within compressed timelines to ensure rapid capability augmentation,” it said.These procurements demonstrate the ministry’s commitment to providing the Indian Army with modern, mission-critical and entirely indigenous systems to address evolving security threats. “The EP route continues to be a key enabler in bridging urgent capability gaps and ensuring timely induction of vital operational equipment.”As per the MoD , the key equipment being procured includes Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems (IDDIS), Low-Level Lightweight Radars (LLLR), Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS)- Launchers and Missiles, Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicles (RPAVs), Loitering Munitions, including Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) systems, drones of various categories, bullet proof jackets, ballistic helmets, quick reaction fighting vehicles – heavy and medium and night sights for rifles.Earlier, on June 23, ANI reported that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made 28 of its planned and developed weapon systems available to the three services for emergency procurement. Under emergency procurement powers, the Centre has permitted the armed forces to purchase new weapons and replenish existing weapon stocks.“The premier defence research agency has submitted the list to the defence ministry and includes rockets, air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, laser-guided bombs, torpedoes, shoulder-fired air defence and anti-tank missiles, helicopter-launched and ground-launched Nag missiles, Rudram anti-radiation missiles, Naval anti-ship missiles and grenades,” defence officials quoted as saying by ANI.