The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) recently granted approval for numerous proposals aimed at bolstering the combat capabilities of India’s three main defence services: Army, Navy and the Air Force. The proposals encompass the procurement of missile systems and additional fighter jets.
Details of the Proposals
The government plans to acquire 33 aircraft, consisting of 21 MiG-29s from Russia and 12 new Sukhoi-30 fighters from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Also included in the proposal is the upgradation of 59 MiG-29 jets. Regarding the missile system, the purchases include Pinaka ammunition, Astra Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, and land-attack cruise missile (LACM) systems with a range of 1,000 km among others.
The Cost of the Proposal
The estimated cost for the implementation of these proposals rounds up to around Rs. 39,000 crore. Indian Industry acquisitions will account for approximately Rs. 31,130 crore while the remaining funds will be utilized for purchases from Russia.
About Pinaka Ammunition
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Pinaka is a free flight artillery rocket system that operates under all weather conditions. Its system comprises of a Rocket, Multi Barrel Rocket launcher, Battery Command Post, Loader cum Replenishment Vehicle, Replenishment Vehicle and Digicora MET Radar.
About Astra Missiles
Also developed by DRDO, the Astra missile is an Air-to-Air Missile (AAM) system designed to be mounted on fighter aircraft. This Beyond Visual Range (BVR) class of missile enables destruction of enemy targets beyond visual scope. It can operate during all weather conditions, day and night, and its deployment can significantly enhance the strike capability of the Navy and Air Force.
About Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile Systems
Another development by DRDO, this missile system aims to increase the firing range of the Brahmos missile from 400-500 km to 1,000 km. Features include an aerodynamic configuration, vertical launch using solid booster, thrust vector control system, booster separation, in-flight wing deployment, in-flight engine start and long-range way-point navigation system. Integrating this fully indigenous missile system can deeply enhance the operational capability of services.
About MIG 29 Fighter jets
The MiG-29 is a twin-engine, multirole fighter jet that was originally developed by Soviet Russia in the 1970s and has undergone upgrades since then.
About Su-30 MKI Fighter jets
Developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Aviation Corporation, the Sukhoi Su-30 is a twin-engine, two-seat supermaneuverable fighter aircraft. It is designed to carry out all-weather, air-to-air and air-to-surface deep prohibition missions.
About the Defence Acquisition Council
The DAC, chaired by the Minister of Defence, is the apex decision-making body of the Defence Ministry, responsible for determining new policies and capital acquisitions for the three services and the Indian Coast Guard. The council was established following the Group of Ministers recommendations on ‘Reforming the National Security System’ after the Kargil War in 1999.