New Delhi (NVI): The government today approved procurement of additional Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) for IAF, Long Range Anti-submarine Warfare P8 I aircraft for the Navy and Twin Engine Heavy Helicopters (TEHH) for Indian Coast Gaurd.
The decisions which will go a long way in boosting the capacities of the Indian armed forces were taken at the DAC which approved Capital Procurement for the Services amounting to over Rs 22,800 crore.
The DAC chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath focused on boosting Make in India initiative in Indian Defence Sector, an official statement said.
The DAC also accorded approval for indigenous design, development and manufacturing of ‘Thermal Imaging Night Sights’ for Assault Rifles. These sights will be manufactured by the Indian private industry and used by troops deployed on the frontline.
‘Thermal Imaging Night Sights’ would enable troops to undertake long range accurate engagements in dark and all weather conditions thereby enhancing the night fighting capabilities.
As a follow up of the successful indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) programme, the DAC revalidated the acceptance of necessity for the procurement of additional AWACS India aircraft.
The mission system and sub-systems for these aircraft would be indigenously designed, developed and integrated onto the main platform by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
These platforms would provide on-board command & control and ‘early warning’ which would assist the IAF in achieving effective air space dominance in the least possible time.
Induction of these systems would increase the extent of coverage along our borders and greatly enhance both the air defence and offensive capabilities of the IAF.
The procurement of Long Range Anti-submarine Warfare P8 I aircraft would greatly strengthen the Navy’s capabilities for maritime coastal surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Vessel (ASV) strike.
Meanwhile, the Twin Engine Heavy Helicopters would enable the Coast Guard to undertake missions to prevent maritime terrorism, infiltration of terrorists by sea routes as well as search and rescue operations.
