India to approve defence projects worth INR 1.4 trillion

India is on the verge of granting preliminary approval for three significant domestic defence projects, with a cumulative value of approximately INR 1.4 trillion, according to media reports.

These projects include the construction of an additional aircraft carrier, 97 Tejas fighters, and 156 Prachand light combat helicopters.

The Defence Acquisitions Council, under the leadership of Rajnath Singh, is anticipated to initiate the “acceptance of necessity (AoN)”—the initial phase in the procurement process—during a meeting at the end of the month, on November 30. Following the AoNs, the procurement process will advance to tender and commercial negotiations, ultimately presenting the three deals to the Cabinet Committee on Security for final approval.

Among these projects is the acquisition of 97 Tejas Mark-1A fighters, estimated at around INR 55,000 crore. These fighters are crucial for augmenting the Indian Air Force’s fighter squadrons, addressing the current shortfall and complementing the existing order of 83 jets from Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL).

The second indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-2), expected to be constructed at the Cochin Shipyard for approximately INR 40,000 crore, follows a “repeat order” model based on INS Vikrant (IAC-1). With a tonnage of 44,000 tonnes, the construction of IAC-2 is projected to take 8-10 years. Currently, India relies on MiG-29K jets for carrier-based aircraft, with plans for further acquisition of Rafale-Marine fighter jets.

The 156 Prachand helicopters, costing approximately INR 45,000 crore, will be deployed for offensive operations in high-altitude areas such as Siachen Glacier and eastern Ladakh. Armed with various weaponry, these helicopters will complement the existing fleet already inducted under a prior contract.

Source: Business Standard