SOURCE: ANI
The month of September 2024 witnessed a series of significant defence procurement and development initiatives by the Government of India (GoI), aimed at bolstering the country’s military capabilities and enhancing its strategic position in the global defence landscape.
One of the key highlights of September was the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approving 10 capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 145 billion. The approvals include the procurement of Future-Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs), which will significantly enhance the Army’s mobility and firepower. In addition to the FRCVs, the DAC approved seven Project 17B stealth frigates for the Indian Navy, at an estimated cost of Rs 700 billion. The frigates will strengthen the Navy’s maritime defence capabilities and improve its surface warfare tactics.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) cleared a major contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the supply of 240 units of AL-31FP jet engines, valued at Rs 260 billion, for the Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft.
This deal, executed at a production rate of 30 engines per year, aims to ensure the fleet’s sustained operational readiness and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers.
In a significant boost to India’s space ambitions, the government approved a budget of Rs 227.5 billion for upcoming space missions.
This includes the next lunar mission, Chandrayaan-4, a Venus exploration mission, and the establishment of an Indian space station.
Additionally, the government has given the green light for the development of a next-generation launch vehicle to support these ambitious projects, signalling a major step forward for India’s space capabilities.
Naval advancements also featured prominently in September, with Cochin Shipyard launching two anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft for the Indian Navy.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) approved the construction of extra-large unmanned underwater vehicles for the Navy, with a budget of Rs 25 billion.