The Defence Ministry has finalised five major capital acquisition contracts amounting to Rs 39,125.39 crore to strengthen the nation’s military capabilities. These contracts encompass the acquisition of crucial equipment, including aero-engines for MiG-29 aircraft, Close-in Weapon System-CIWS, high-power radar, and ship-borne BrahMos systems.
According to the Ministry, one contract has been signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited or HAL for the procurement of aero-engines for MiG-29 aircraft. Additionally, two contracts have been inked with Larsen and Toubro Limited for the acquisition of CIWS and High-Power Radar (HPR), while two more contracts have been settled with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) for the procurement of BrahMos missiles and ship-borne BrahMos systems.
The contract for RD-33 Aero-engines for MiG-29 aircraft, valued at Rs 5,249.72 crore, will be executed by the Koraput Division of HAL. These aero-engines, produced under a Transfer of Technology license from the Russian OEM, are crucial for sustaining the operational capability of the Indian Air Force MiG-29 fleet.
In a significant move to enhance terminal air defence capabilities, the procurement of CIWS has been finalised for Rs 7,668.82 crore. This project is expected to foster active participation from Indian aerospace, defence, and associated industries, creating employment opportunities for approximately 2,400 persons per year over five years.
The procurement of HPR, valued at Rs 5,700.13 crore, will upgrade the existing long-range radars of the IAF with advanced surveillance features, significantly bolstering the terrestrial Air Defence capabilities.
The contract for the acquisition of BrahMos missiles, worth Rs 19,518.65 crore, is anticipated to generate significant employment opportunities, with an estimated 9 lakh man-days in the Joint Venture entity and around 135 lakh man-days in ancillary industries.
Furthermore, a contract worth Rs 988.07 crore has been finalised for the procurement of the ship-borne BrahMos system, the Navy’s primary weapon for maritime strike operations.
The exchange of contracts took place in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane. These agreements mark a significant stride towards strengthening indigenous capabilities, saving foreign exchange, and reducing dependency on foreign-origin equipment manufacturers in the future.
