India Bolsters Military Prowess with Massive Defence Procurement Deal

In a significant boost to its military strength and indigenous defence manufacturing, India has approved the procurement of 97 Tejas fighter aircraft and 156 Prachand attack helicopters, worth around ₹ 2.23 lakh crore (USD 28 billion). This landmark decision, taken by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) under the chairmanship of the defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marks a pivotal step towards enhancing India's defence capabilities and fostering self-reliance in the defence sector.

Tejas and Prachand: Strengthening India's Airpower

The Tejas Mark 1-A fighter aircraft, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is India's first domestically produced fourth-generation fighter jet. With its advanced features, including an active electronically-scanned array radar, an electronic warfare suite, and air-to-air refuelling capability, the Tejas is expected to significantly bolster the Indian Air Force's (IAF) combat prowess.

The Prachand Light Combat Helicopter, developed by HAL, is a 5.8-tonne twin-engine helicopter designed for high-altitude operations. With its service ceiling of around 21,000 feet, the Prachand will provide the IAF and the Indian Army with enhanced capabilities for troop transport, attack missions, and search and rescue operations in challenging mountainous terrain.

Aatmanirbharta in Defence

The procurement of these indigenously developed platforms aligns with India's 'Aatmanirbharta' (self-reliance) initiative, emphasizing the importance of domestic manufacturing in the defence sector. A staggering 98% of the total value of these acquisitions will be sourced from Indian industries, providing a much-needed boost to the domestic defence sector and creating employment opportunities.

Additional Acquisitions Enhance Defence Arsenal

The DAC's approval also encompasses the procurement of medium-range anti-ship missiles, anti-tank munitions, and towed gun systems. These acquisitions will further strengthen India's defence arsenal, enabling it to effectively counter emerging threats and safeguard its territorial integrity.

The massive defence procurement deal underscores India's unwavering commitment to modernizing its armed forces and establishing itself as a formidable military power in the region. The induction of advanced fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, and other sophisticated weaponry into the Indian military arsenal reaffirms India's resolve to protect its national security interests and maintain a credible deterrence posture.

India's decision to procure 97 Tejas fighter aircraft and 156 Prachand attack helicopters, along with other critical defence equipment, marks a significant milestone in its journey towards self-reliance and military modernization. This landmark deal not only enhances India's defence capabilities but also serves as a testament to the nation's growing prowess in indigenous defence manufacturing. As India continues to strengthen its defence infrastructure and capabilities, it remains committed to safeguarding its national security interests and contributing to regional peace and stability.