Top News

New DelhiThe Ministry of Defense has approved projects worth Rs 79,000 crore with the aim of making the Indian Armed Forces more lethal. This amount will be used in the development and acquisition of technology and modern weapons, which will further strengthen our soldiers. Procurement of Nag missiles will be ensured under these projects. Additionally, landing platform docks will be constructed, making terrestrial operations more accessible through maritime operations. There will also be purchase of advanced light torpedoes, which will prove helpful in destroying enemy submarines in the ocean. The procurement proposals were approved in the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. This is the second major decision on procurement after ‘Operation Vermillion’. Procurement projects worth Rs 67,000 crore were approved on August 5.

The Defense Ministry said the DAC approved various proposals at a total cost of about Rs 79 000 crore. For the Indian Navy, procurement of Landing Platform Docks (LPD), 30 mm Naval Surface Gun (NSG), Advanced Light Weight Torpedo (ALWT), Electro Optical Infra-Red Search and Track System and ammunition for 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount was approved.

The procurement of LPDs will help the Indian Navy to carry out amphibious operations along with the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. The integrated maritime capability provided by the LPD will also assist the Indian Navy in peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The statement said the induction of the ALWT, indigenously developed by DRDO’s Naval Science and Technology Laboratory, will enable targeting of conventional, nuclear and small submarines.

It said the procurement of 30 mm NSG will enhance the capability of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard to conduct low intensity maritime operations and anti-piracy roles. For the Indian Army, approval was given for procurement of Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-II (NAMIS), Ground Based Mobile ELINT System (GBMES) and High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) including Material Handling Cranes.

The procurement of NAMIS (Tracked) will enhance the Indian Army’s ability to disable enemy combat vehicles, bunkers and other field fortifications, while GBMES will provide round-the-clock electronic intelligence on enemy emitters. The induction of HMV will significantly improve the logistics support of armies in diverse geographical areas. For the Air Force, approval was given for the Coordinated Long Range Target Saturation/Destroy System (CLRTS/DS) and other proposals. The CLRTS/DS has the capability of automated take-off, landing, navigation, detection and delivery of payload to the mission area.