Nirmala Sitharaman gives fillip to indigenisation, approves Rs 5500 crore proposals

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman approved equipment valued at over Rs 5500 crore to strengthen Indian defence while encouraging indigenisation and self-reliance in matters of procurement.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) which was chaired by the minister, cleared the procurement of 12 High Power Radars for the Indian Air Force along with Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) for the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Army from Indian Shipyard.

In a statement issued by the government, the radars will provide long range medium and high altitude radar cover with the capability to detect and track high speed targets following parabolic trajectories.


These technologically superior radars will have the capability to scan 360 degree without mechanical rotation of Antenna and will operate on 24 x 7 basis with minimal maintenance requirements.

The ACVs would be superior to conventional boats/crafts with their ability to travel at very high speeds over shallow water, sand banks, mud flats and swamps.

The DAC was scheduled to discuss the broad contours of Indian Navy's ambitious project to build six advanced submarines under the multi-billion P-75 (I) programme. But, it is not known whether there was any decision on it during the meeting.

Sources had said that the state-run Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) is likely to be given the responsibility to implement the project as against the government's earlier indication that private shipbuilders would be involved in constructing the submarines.

The DAC also reviewed implementation of various procurements of military platforms.

(With inputs from PTI)