156 Prachand helicopters and 97 Tejas fighters were allowed for purchase

NEW DELHI: In a major move to improve the fighting prowess of its armed forces, India on Thursday approved the first round of defense acquisition projects for a combined Rs 2.23 lakh crore. Under the direction of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the projects, which include acquiring 156 Prachand combat helicopters and 97 Tejas light combat aircraft.

This action takes place in the midst of an extended military standoff in eastern Ladakh with China. The defence ministry underlined that 98% of the purchase value will come from domestic sources, significantly advancing the defense industry’s objective of “Aatmanirbharta” (self-reliance). This is the largest order book that Indian domestic manufacturers have ever received.

As of right now, an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) has been approved, and next steps will involve contract negotiations with manufacturers. Even while it will take time, this procedure should go far more quickly than if foreign producers were involved. Additionally, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.’s plan to upgrade the Indian Air Force’s fleet of Su-30 fighter aircraft was accepted by the DAC.

Additionally, the council approved the purchase of medium-range anti-ship missiles for the Indian Navy, automatic target trackers, digital basaltic computers for T-90 tanks, and anti-tank weapons. The MRAShM, a lightweight surface-to-surface missile, will be the principal offensive weapon on a number of Indian naval vessels.