Defence minister is considering purchases worth Rs 1 lakh crore

India’s defence minister Manohar Parrikar is going to hold a high-powered Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) this Saturday, in which he would discuss projects that he is considering, said to be worth over Rs 1 lakh crore. These projects include critical purchases like armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), an advanced air defence system, carbines for the Army and a range of vessels for the Navy.

As per ET sources, the Saturday meeting would decide the fate of several of these projects, some of which have been pending for years now, because of differences within the ministry.

The proposal to acquire a new fleet of armed drone for the Indian Air Force, which will help IAF increase its opportunity for disciplinary cross-border action in response to terror, is on the topmost priority. Last year, there were talks of a $400 million proposal for acquiring armed Heron TP drones from Israel, but nothing has been officiated as of yet. Now, India might also buy US-made Predator armed drones since it has got entry into the Missile Technology Control Regime.

Another plan for IAF acquisition involves $6.1-billion purchase of S 400 air defence system from Russia, which could be a game-changer for the region, since S 400 has a range of over 300 km, along with an ability to target aircrafts that are flying deep in enemy territory. China is also procuring the same aircrafts.

Other than this, IAF is also expected to appeal to acquire the Indo-Israeli long-range surface-to-air missile, along with the long-pending proposal to equip two Boeing 777 VVIP aircrafts, which are being transferred from Air India with missile avoidance systems.

Talking of Indian Army, there are chances that the $700-million plan to purchase 145 M777 ultra-light howitzers, which is to be done as per a foreign military sales deal with the US, pending since January 2016, could have some light thrown on it.

There is one more Army plan, to replace its long-retired short-range 44,600 carbines, which is pending since 2010. Along with that, long-running 'short-range surface-to-air missile' project of the Army could also be taken a decision on, which aims to buy an agile missile shield for forward moving forces.

Navy, on the other hand, has a range of vessels that are soon going to expire, so replacing them could be discussed in the meeting. These include six new-generation missile vessels and a new range of fleet support vessels.

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