DAC approves acquisition of 21 MIG-29 from Russia, 12 Su-30 MKI from HAL

• While the MIG 29 procurement and upgradation from Russia is estimated to cost Rs 7,418 crore, the Su-30 MKI will be procured from HAL at an estimated cost of Rs 10,730 crore

• The DAC has approved capital acquisition of various platforms and equipment required by the Indian Armed Forces worth Rs 38,900 crore

New Delhi: Among a number of proposals approved by the DAC (Defence Acquisition Council) on Thursday are the proposals for procurement of 21 MIG-29, along with upgradation of existing 59 MIG-29 aircraft, and procurement of 12 Su-30 MKI aircraft. While the MIG 29 procurement and upgradation from Russia is estimated to cost Rs 7,418 crore, the Su-30 MKI will be procured from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at an estimated cost of Rs 10,730 crore.

The DAC has approved capital acquisition of various platforms and equipment required by the Indian Armed Forces worth Rs 38,900 crore. In an official statement, the Ministry of Defence said, "In the current situation and the need to strengthen the Armed Forces for the defence of our borders and in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's clarion call for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat,' Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in its meeting of today held under the chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh accorded approval for capital acquisition of various platforms and equipment required by the Indian Armed Forces. Proposals for an approximate cost of Rs 38,900 crore were approved." 

Acquisitions from Indian industry at Rs 31,130 cr 

Focused on indigenous design and development, these approvals include acquisitions from the Indian industry of Rs 31,130 crore. The equipment are going to be manufactured in India by the Indian defence industry, with the participation of several MSMEs as prime tier vendors. The indigenous content in some of these projects is up to 80 percent of the project cost. A large number of these projects have been made possible due to Transfer of Technology (ToT) by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to the indigenous industry. These include Pinaka ammunitions, BMP armament upgrades and software defined radios for the Indian Army, Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile Systems and Astra Missiles for the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force (IAF). The cost of these design and development proposals is in the range of Rs 20,400 crore. 

The acquisition of new, additional missile systems will add to the fire power of the three services. While acquisition of Pinaka missile systems will enable raising additional regiments over and above the ones already inducted, addition of Long Range Land Attack Missile Systems, having a firing range of 1,000 kilometres, to the existing arsenal will bolster the attack capabilities of the Navy and the Air Force. Similarly induction of Astra Missiles having Beyond Visual Range capability will serve as a force multiplier and immensely add to the strike capability of the Navy and Air Force.  

(PSU Watch– India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy is now on Telegram. Join PSU Watch Channel in your Telegram and stay updated)