India’s defense ministry has approved a budget of 42.76 billion rupees ($522.2 million) to acquire missiles, air defense systems, and naval weapons solely produced by domestic companies.
The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), in a meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, cleared three capital acquisition proposals, related to the acquisition of:
- Helina anti-tank guided missiles
- Very short-range air defense systems
- The Brahmos missile launcher, and afire control system
The first two projects relate to the Indian Army, whereas the third one is for the Naval ships, said the defense ministry in a statement.
The announcement did not provide details on the quantities or costs of the weapons, separately. The proposed purchases of the arms fall under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. The IDDM category calls for the purchase of weapons from an Indian vendor, producing the arms indigenously, using at least50% locally built technology
Plans for Helina missiles
The Helina missiles, a third-generation fire-and-forget system, will be integrated into advanced light helicopters. The missiles have a range of 7 km (4 miles). The ministry will purchase the missiles from the state-run Defense Research and Development Organization. The state-run firm Bharat Dynamics Ltd. produces the land-attack version of the Nag, which will serve as the production agency for Helina anti-tank guided missiles.
VSHORAD purchase
India also plans to purchase very Short-Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) weapons, capable of shooting down aerial targets at a range of up to 7 km. The DRDO-developed weapons feature infrared-homing missile systems. The ministry did not share details on quantity of the systems to be purchased.
Naval orders
The proposal also includes the acquisition of locally manufactured launcher systems and fire control systems for the ship-mounted Brahmos cruise missiles. The weapons will be fitted on Shivalik-class frigates and other next-generation missile vessels.
The state-run Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. is the production agency for the Shivalik-class frigates, whereas the state-run Cochin Shipyard Ltd. manufactures the next-generation missile vessels.