A push for Make-in-India: Defence proposals worth ₹4,276 crore cleared
The government has been pushing the Make-in-India initiative in a bid to increase self-reliance.
At a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Tuesday, which was held in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, three capital acquisition proposals worth ₹4,276 crore were cleared in a big push for the government's Make-In-India scheme. While two of these proposals are for the Indian Army, the third one is for the Indian Navy. All of the proposals are under the Buy (Indian-IDDM)' category, which, as per the Ministry of Defence, refers to the procurement of products from an Indian vendor that have been indigenously designed, developed and manufactured. The Narendra Modi government has been pushing for manufacture of defence equipment locally in a bid to increase self-reliance.
Here are the highlights of the meeting:
1) At the meeting, Acceptance of Necessity - or Aon - was accorded for procuring HELINA Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, launchers and associated support equipment. This will be integrated to the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). HELINA is said to be one of the most advanced anti-tank weapons in the world.
2) The induction of the anti-tank guided missiles will give a boost to the offensive capability of the Indian Army, a government statement said, adding that "this missile is an essential part of weaponisation of ALH for countering enemy threat".
3) The procurement of Brahmos Launcher and Fire Control System (FCS) for the Shivalik class of ships and Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) for Indian Navy has also been cleared. Shivalik class of ships are the multi-role frigates and are the first-of-its kind warships built in India incorporating stealth features.
4) With the induction, these ships would get enhanced capability of carrying out maritime strike operations, interdicting and destroying enemy’s warships and merchant vessels.
