Defence Ministry gives nod to indigenous choppers, fire control systems, & naval guns

The defence ministry has given approvals to procure indigenous choppers, fire control systems and naval guns, continuing a trend for fast clearances to domestic projects when compared to imports for the military. The defence acquisition council (DAC), headed by defence minister Rajnath Singh, gave clearances worth Rs 7,965 crore on Monday, all of which will go to Indian companies.

The formal approvals for the purchase of 12 Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited have come through, with the first choppers set to be delivered before August next year, as part of the celebrations to mark 75 years of independence.

As reported by ET, the LUH passed a landmark in March this year, when the defence ministry cleared a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) to manufacture 12 choppers as part of the first batch. Work on the manufacturing is already underway. The LUH is a homegrown success story, having demonstrated its capability of operating in all kinds of environments, with a focus on high altitude missions that are essential for maintaining troops on the Pakistan and China border.

The order is a boost for the Make in India initiative, given that the chopper has been fully designed and developed in-house by HAL, borrowing on the expertise gained by older platforms like the Advanced Light Helicopter.

While 12 helicopters are to be ordered in the first lot, the expected requirement of the LUH within the services is pegged at 185. India and Russia have also been negotiating a deal for the Kamov Ka 226 helicopters for the army and air force to fulfil the large needs of such type of aircraft but there are indications that the project could be shelved if differences on indigenous content are not resolved.

The DAC also cleared the procurement of Lynx U2 Fire Control System from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) which will enhance the detection, tracking and engagement capabilities of warships. In addition, Mid Life Upgradation of the Dornier Aircraft from HAL has also been approved.

"As a further impetus to 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', a global procurement case of Naval guns has been foreclosed with these guns' quantity added to the upgraded Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) being manufactured by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)," defence ministry officials said. The SRGMs are designed for engaging fast manoeuvring targets.