Boost for ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’: DAC approves Air Defence guns, ammunition for Army worth Rs 6,000 crore
The DAC accorded approval of procurement of Air Defence Guns and Ammunition at an approx. cost of Rs 6,000 crore under the Buy & Make (Indian) category.
The defence ministry on Friday approved the long-pending need of the Indian Army for the modernisation of its Air Defence guns. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved Air Defence guns and ammunition for the Army worth Rs 6,000 crore.
Notably, such guns were earlier procured from foreign countries. However, with the Modi government’s regular pitch for the ‘ÁtmaNirbhar Bharat’ program, many domestic Indian companies showed interest in manufacturing the gun system. Following the willingness of the domestic companies, the DAC gave the go-ahead for the procurement of Air Defence Guns and Ammunition.
“With the continued thrust of Ministry of Defence towards ‘ÁtmaNirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’, an enthusiastic response from about a dozen Indian companies was received. All of them have expressed their willingness and commitment to manufacture this complex gun system and associated equipment by ensuring technology assimilation in India. Accordingly, the DAC accorded approval of procurement of Air Defence Guns and Ammunition at an approx. cost of Rs 6,000 crore under the Buy & Make (Indian) category,” the ministry of defence stated.
Meanwhile, the DAC also approved Request for Proposal (RFP) for the construction of six submarines at approx cost of Rs 43,000 crore.
This P-75 project envisages indigenous construction of six conventional submarines equipped with the state-of-the-art Air Independent Propulsion system.
Notably, with China increasing its military presence in the Indian Ocean Region, and in birder areas of northeast India, the armed forces have been significantly bolstering their overall capabilities.
The Indian Navy, in particular, which guards the Indian Ocean Region, is planning to buy 57 carrier-borne fighter jets, 111 Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH) and 123 multi-role helicopters.
Source: Times Now
