India approves purchase of military equipment worth $8.52B

By Shuriah Niazi

NEW DELHI (AA) – India has approved the purchase of high-tech weapon systems worth 705 billion rupees (approximately $8.52 billion) for its armed forces.

The decision was made at a meeting of the Defense Acquisition Council, the apex government body responsible for weapon purchases, which was presided over by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, on Thursday, according to a statement issued by the Defense Ministry.

The meeting authorized the purchase of missiles, helicopters, artillery, and electronic warfare systems.

It approved the procurement of indigenous BrahMos missiles, Shakti Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, and Maritime Utility Helicopters, the statement said.

The air force's request for long-range remote-controlled weapons for use in "Sukhoi-30MKI" type fighter aircraft was also accepted, it said, adding that an additional 200 BrahMos missiles for the Indian army are being developed by the Russian-Indian joint company "BrahMos Aerospace."

It said: “While this additional procurement of BrahMos missile system will enhance the maritime strike capabilities & Anti-Surface Warfare Operation, the addition of Utility Helicopters will multiply the operational readiness of the Indian Navy in the domain of Search & Rescue operations, Casualty Evacuation, Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief (HADR), etc.

“Similarly, Shakti EW systems will equip and modernise the frontline Naval ships to counter any Naval Operations by the adversaries.”

These purchases will be made under the highest priority category of "Buy Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured."

“Such quantum of indigenous procurement will galvanize the Indian industries towards achieving the goal of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India),” added the statement.

The Indian government presented a 45 trillion Indian rupees ($549.14 billion) budget early last month, increasing its defense allocation by nearly 13%, bringing the total defense outlay to 5.94 trillion rupees (about $74.25 billion).