The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): In a significant stride towards self-reliance in defence, the Ministry of Defence inked five major capital acquisition contracts totaling Rs 39,125.39 crore on March 1, 2024, in New Delhi. These contracts, celebrated in the presence of Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh and Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane, underscore India’s commitment to bolstering the Make-in-India initiative within the defence sector.
The agreements encompass a diverse range of defence procurements: one with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for Aero-engines for MiG-29 aircraft; two with Larsen & Toubro Limited for a Close-in Weapon System (CIWS) and a High-Power Radar (HPR); and two with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) for BrahMos missiles and a Ship borne BrahMos system, all aimed at strengthening the Indian Defence Forces.
These acquisitions are set to enhance India’s indigenous defence capabilities, promote savings in foreign exchange, and curtail future reliance on foreign equipment manufacturers. The Aero-engines for MiG-29 aircraft, valued at Rs 5,249.72 crore, will be manufactured by HAL’s Koraput Division, incorporating technology transferred from the Russian OEM. This initiative is expected to sustain the Indian Air Force’s MiG-29 fleet and foster indigenization of critical components, enriching future repair and overhaul efforts.
The CIWS procurement, costing Rs 7,668.82 crore, will provide vital air defence for selected national locations. This project, alongside the Rs 5,700.13 crore HPR acquisition, will not only enhance the IAF’s air defence capabilities with modern, sophisticated radar technology but also stimulate the domestic aerospace and defence industries, including MSMEs, creating significant employment opportunities.
The substantial Rs 19,518.65 crore contract for BrahMos missiles aims to fulfill the Indian Navy’s combat and training needs, with the ancillary benefit of generating considerable employment within the joint venture entity and related industries. Additionally, the Rs 988.07 crore deal for the Ship borne BrahMos system reaffirms the missile’s role as a cornerstone of the Navy’s maritime strike capabilities, promising accuracy and speed against both land and sea targets.
Together, these contracts represent a monumental push towards achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta in Defence’, marking a new era of empowerment for the Indian defence sector through strategic investment and collaboration.