The Navy advocates for a 45,000-ton displacement for IAC-II, expected to be constructed by Cochin Shipyard Ltd at an estimated cost of Rs 40,000 crore….reports Asian Lite News
Amid escalating Chinese activity in the Indian Ocean region, the Defence Procurement Board has given preliminary approval for a second indigenous aircraft carrier.
The Defence Acquisition Council, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is set to review the Indian Navy’s carrier project and decide on acquiring 97 Tejas LCA Mark-I from HAL and upgrading 84 Su-30MKI in a Thursday meeting.
Defence Ministry sources revealed that the DPB’s “in-principle” consent for the Indian Aircraft Carrier-II, akin to INS Vikrant, paves the way for a critical decision on the long-awaited project.
The Navy advocates for a 45,000-ton displacement for IAC-II, expected to be constructed by Cochin Shipyard Ltd at an estimated cost of Rs 40,000 crore.
The DAC will also weigh the IAF’s proposal for 97 Tejas Mark-1A aircraft and the upgrade of 84 Su-30 Mk-1, a key component of India’s fighter fleet.
Meanwhile, the Indian Navy will get medium calibre anti-missile/anti-aircraft point defence weapon system for its vessels, it was announced on Tuesday.
The equipment and accessories are worth Rs 2,956.89 crore, a Defence Ministry statement said.
According to it, the weapon system is capable of multiple engagements in multi-threat scenarios and has a proven record of very good performance against missiles and highly maneuverable fast attack crafts.
The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), Haridwar, for procurement of 16 Upgraded Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) along with associated equipment/accessories for the Indian Navy under Buy (Indian) category at a total cost of Rs 2,956.89 crore.
The upgraded SRGM, which will be manufactured by BHEL at its Haridwar plant, is a medium calibre anti-missile/anti-aircraft point defence weapon system which provides a sustained rate of fire and high accuracy, officials added.
Upgraded SRGMs will be installed onboard Indian Navy’s in-service and new-built ships by Mazagaon Dock and Shipbuilders Ltd., Mumbai, and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata, an official said.
The Defence Ministry said that the project will generate an employment of two and half lakh mandays over a period of five years and encourage active participation of various Indian industries including MSMEs, thus contributing to the government’s efforts to achieve ‘Atmanirbharta’ in defence.
