India approves $8.8bn defense purchases

The armed forces will buy rockets, radios, radars, and automatic take-off landing recording systems, among other equipment

India has approved $8.8 billion worth of defense acquisitions in a move that officials said will greatly enhance the capabilities of the country’s army, navy, and air force.

On Monday, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, gave the final go-ahead to purchase rockets, radios, radars, and automatic take-off landing recording systems, among other equipment.

”Loiter munition will be used for precision strike of tactical targets, whereas low level light weight radars will detect and track small size, low flying unmanned aerial systems,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement. “Long range guided rockets will enhance the range and accuracy of Pinaka MRLS [multiple launch rocket system] for effective engagement of high value targets.”

The ministry said an integrated drone detection interdiction system with an enhanced range will protect the vital assets of the Indian Army in tactical battle areas and the hinterland. During India’s four-day military confrontation with Pakistan in May, Islamabad launched several drones across the border.

For the navy, the ministry approved the purchase of bollard pull (BP) tugs and high frequency software defined radios. “Induction of BP tugs will assist naval ships and submarines in berthing, unberthing, and maneuvering in confined waters/harbor,” the ministry added.

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The Indian Air Force will get an automatic take-off landing recording system, Astra Mk-II missiles, and full mission simulator and SPICE-1000 long range guidance kits. “Induction of the automatic take-off landing recording system will fill the gaps in the aerospace safety environment by providing high definition all-weather automatic recording of landing and take-off,” the ministry stated. “Astra Mk-II Missiles with enhanced range will increase the capability of the fighter aircraft to neutralise adversary aircraft from large standoff range.”

India has signed off on a slew of defense-related projects this year.

In August, New Delhi approved defense purchases worth about $7.6 billion, which included more BrahMos missiles and armed drones, along with upgrades to other existing platforms.

India, which is one of the world’s top defense importers, has historically relied on Russia for equipment as well as technology.

Moscow is an active partner in New Delhi’s weapons indigenization plans, with some Russian defense equipment being manufactured under licensing agreements in India.