Centre approves projects of ₹2.23 lakh crores to boost defence arsenal | Fusion - WeRIndia

In a strategic move aimed at bolstering the country’s military capabilities, the Union government granted initial approval to defence acquisition projects worth ₹2.23 lakh crores.

Chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) greenlit crucial projects. These include the procurement of 97 Tejas light combat aircraft and 156 Prachand combat helicopters.

This significant step comes amidst the prolonged military standoff between India and China in eastern Ladakh.

The DAC’s nod for the acquisition of 97 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (Mark 1A) and 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its armed forces.

The move aligns with the ongoing efforts to address the geopolitical challenges in the region.

Highlighting a stride towards self-reliance, the Defence Ministry stated that 98% of the ₹2.23 lakh crore procurement will be sourced from domestic industries.

This decision is poised to significantly boost the Indian defence industry, aligning with the Aatmanirbharta initiative.

The DAC also approved the Indian Air Force’s proposal to upgrade its Su-30 fighter fleet, a move to enhance the operational efficiency of these aircraft.

Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) was granted for the procurement of area denial munition (ADM) Type-2 and Type-3 anti-tank munitions, reinforcing ground capabilities.

The DAC accorded AoNs for the procurement of Light Combat Helicopters for the Indian Air Force and Indian Army, along with Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A for the IAF.

It decided to buy all these from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. This reflects a continued push for indigenous manufacturing and innovation.

The Defence Ministry emphasized that these acquisitions would not only enhance the strength of the Indian Air Force but also reduce dependency on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers.

The move aligns with the broader goal of bolstering domestic capabilities and fostering technological independence.

As India continues to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, the approval of these defence projects stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to securing its borders and advancing its military prowess.

Image Credit: Pathfinder.Kilo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HAL_Tejas_KH-2017_%28LSP-07%29_with_Griffin_Laser_Guided_Bomb,_Litening_LDP_and_Vympel_R-73E_SRAAM.jpg