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CHRISTCHURCH, Latest Zealand — The Indian government is closer to purchasing a multibillion-dollar package of cruise missiles, air defense weapons, surveillance radars and fighter jet engines following approval from the country’s highest decision-making body on security affairs.
At a Feb. 21 meeting, the Cabinet Committee on Security approved the 4 procurement projects cumulatively value about 350 billion rupees (U.S. $4 billion).
In keeping with local media reports quoting government sources, the approved items were BrahMos cruise missiles for the Navy, air defense guns for the Army, ground-based air surveillance radars and recent engines for the Air Force’s MiG-29 fighters.
Approval by the committee, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs, is a mandatory step along the Defence Ministry’s contractual pathway.
Local media reported the BrahMos missile deal can be signed in March. The consolidated contract would come with some 220 weapons to arm Indian frigates and destroyers — the largest-ever individual BrahMos order for India.
The contract will reportedly involve a mixture of ordinary 290-kilometer-range (180-mile-range) and prolonged 450-kilometer-range (280-mile-range) BrahMos missiles, of which 75% is locally made.
“The BrahMos is predicted to considerably enhance the potential for surface-to-surface attacks by Indian Navy ships, especially with extended-range missiles,” Rahul Bhonsle, a director of the Latest Delhi-based consultancy Security Risks Asia, told Defense News.
India can be exporting BrahMos missiles to the Philippines under a deal value about $375 million signed in January 2022. Atul Rane, who leads the missile manufacturer BrahMos Aerospace, said last 12 months the corporate has set a goal of exporting $5 billion value of BrahMos weapons by 2025.
The committee also approved the acquisition of Sudarshan air defense systems from private firm Larsen & Toubro — an acquisition value roughly $844 million. The Army would use the systems, which feature radars and 40mm guns, to guard its installations and the country’s border areas.
The Sudarshan approval followed an October 2022 request for procurement searching for 141,576 ammunition rounds to accompany 220 guns, including pre-fragmented, programmable proximity fuses and smart rounds.
The Sudarshan can be competing in an Air Force competition for 244 close-in weapon systems.
“Air defense guns have assumed importance due to overall weak air and missile defense profile with dated equipment, with the Indian Army particularly, and the add-on threat from drones,” Bhonsle explained.
The Indian Army relies on antiquated Bofors L/70 and ZU-23-2B towed guns, and their substitute has develop into urgent given the emerging threat of drones and loitering munitions.
Larsen & Toubro can be set to supply the air surveillance radars, value about $723 million. India is prioritizing higher radar coverage of its northern and western borders to protect against Chinese and Pakistani aircraft, respectively. Augmenting the prevailing radar network in phases, the Air Force will operate the brand new indigenous sensors.
And Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. is to fabricate recent RD-33MK engines for MiG-29 fighters in collaboration with Russia, with the project value about $639 million.
These projects underscore India’s attempts to maximise indigenous input. The Make in India economic policy appears to be gaining groud, Bhonsle said.
“Nonetheless, it needs to be noted there may be also considerable foreign collaboration involved in lots of the projects, as as much as 50% or more is permissible under existing rules for acquisition,” Bhonsle added.
Gordon Arthur is an Asia correspondent for Defense News. After a 20-year stint working in Hong Kong, he now resides in Latest Zealand. He has attended military exercises and defense exhibitions in about 20 countries across the Asia-Pacific region.