In another big push to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ (self-reliant India movement), Ministry of Defence (MoD) has approved the procurement order of military equipment including 106 Basic Trainer Aircraft from the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The MoD has also approved the upgraded version of the Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) that will also be procured internally, from state-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).
“With Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) having successfully developed Basic Trainer Aircraft (HTT-40) Prototypes and certification process underway, the DAC approved procurement of 106 Basic Trainer Aircraft from HAL to address the basic training requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Post Certification 70 Basic Trainer Aircraft will be initially procured from HAL and balance 36 after operationalisation of HTT-40 fleet in IAF,” said a government press release.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) under MoD cleared the Acceptance of necessity (AoN) for the equipment at a meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. AoN by the council is the first step for the procurement of military hardware.
“To improve the firepower of Indian Navy, the DAC approved procurement of an upgraded version of Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) which is fitted as the main gun on board Navy and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) warships from Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). The upgraded version of SRGM has enhanced capability to perform against fast manoeuvring targets like missiles and Fast Attack Crafts and increase the maximum engagement range,” the release said.
DAC has also approved the procurement of 125 mm APFSDS (Armour Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot) ammunition for the Army as a ‘Design and Development Case’ along with the procurement of AK 203 and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle upgrades. The total worth of the proposal approved is Rs 8,722.38 crores.
This decision came just days after MoD’s decision to ban the import of 101 types of military equipment. As reported earlier by EurAsian Times, to embrace indigenization and support in-house defence manufacturing, the Indian government made a historical decision, self-imposing an embargo on 101 defence impedimenta to create a safe environment for indigenous companies to realize the goal of “Aatm-Nirbhar Bharat” in the defense sector.
