New Delhi: The defence ministry on Tuesday approved three procurement proposals, including that of Helina anti-tank guided missiles, at a total cost of Rs 4,276 crore. The move is aimed at bolstering the combat capabilities of the armed forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
All the three proposals – two of the Indian Army and one of the Indian Navy – under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category were cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
“The DAC accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procurement of Helina anti-tank guided missiles, launchers and associated support equipment which will be integrated into the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). This missile is an essential part of weaponisation of ALH for countering enemy threats. Its induction will strengthen the offensive capability of the Indian Army,” the defence ministry said in a statement.
The DAC also accorded AoN for procurement of VSHORAD missile system under design and development by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation).
“In view of the recent developments along the Northern borders there is a need to focus on effective Air Defence (AD) weapon systems which are man portable and can be deployed quickly in rugged terrain and maritime domain,” the defence ministry said.
The ministry said procurement of VSHORAD, as a robust and quickly deployable system, will strengthen the air defence capabilities.
Further, the DAC also granted approval for procurement of Brahmos Launcher and Fire Control System (FCS) for the Shivalik class of ships and next generation missile vessels (NGMVs) for the Indian Navy.
“With their induction, these ships would have enhanced capability of carrying out maritime strike operations, interdicting and destroying enemy warships and merchant vessels,” the ministry added.
