New Delhi, March2: The Indian Defence Ministry has taken significant strides to bolster the country’s defence capabilities with a slew of strategic contracts amounting to Rs 39,125.39 crore. Among these deals, the Ministry has inked agreements to upgrade the simulators for Su-30 MKI fighter jets and procure various critical equipment.
Led by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), the upgrade of Su-30 MKI simulators will integrate indigenous weapons and capabilities, significantly enhancing operational training for Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots. With over 270 Su-30 MKI fighter jets inducted into the force, these simulators will play a crucial role in refining pilot training.
As part of ‘Aatmanirbharta in Defence’ and to further boost Make-in-India initiative, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) today signed five major capital acquisition contracts worth Rs 39,125.39 crore in New Delhi.
The Contracts were exchanged in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri… pic.twitter.com/CEsbsHYxXC
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) March 1, 2024
In a ceremony graced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, the Ministry exchanged contracts with key players in the defence sector. Notable among these agreements are those with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of Aero-engines for MiG-29 aircraft, and Larsen and Toubro Limited for Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS) and High-Power Radar (HPR) procurement.
The contract with HAL for RD-33 Aero Engines for MiG-29 aircraft amounts to Rs 5,249.72 crore. These engines, to be produced by HAL’s Koraput Division, signify a stride towards indigenous engine production for fighter aircraft.
Larsen and Toubro Limited secured contracts totaling Rs 13,368.95 crore for CIWS and HPR procurement. The CIWS will enhance the Indian Defence Forces’ close-range defence capabilities, while the HPR will replace existing long-range radars with advanced Active Aperture Phased Array technology.
Additionally, BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) secured contracts worth Rs 19,518.65 crore for the procurement of BrahMos missiles. These missiles will cater to the combat outfit and training requirements of the Indian Navy, marking a significant advancement in indigenous missile production.
These contracts not only strengthen indigenous capabilities but also contribute to saving foreign exchange and reducing dependency on foreign-origin equipment manufacturers. Furthermore, they are poised to generate substantial employment opportunities, with the BrahMos missile project alone estimated to create employment for around nine lakh man-days in Joint Venture entities and approximately 135 lakh man-days in ancillary industries, including MSMEs, across the country.
