MoD signs Rs 39,125 crore contracts to enhance India's indigenous defence capabilities

New Delhi, Mar 1: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) made significant strides towards gaining India's indigenous defence capabilities with the signing of five major capital acquisition contracts worth Rs 39,125.39 crore.

This move, aligned with the "Aatmanirbharta in Defence" initiative and the Make-in-India campaign, reflects a strategic shift towards self-reliance and reducing dependency on foreign manufacturers.

The contracts mark a crucial milestone in India's defence procurement landscape. The contracts were signed under the leadership of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane.

The contracts span a range of aero-engines to missile systems, highlighting the breadth of India's defence requirements and its ambition to develop an indigenous defence industry ecosystem.

Aero-Engines for MiG-29 Aircraft: The contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for RD-33 Aero Engines is a step towards enhancing the operational capability of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) MiG-29 fleet. With a focus on indigenization and technology transfer, this contract not only strengthens HAL's manufacturing capabilities but also reduces reliance on foreign OEMs.

Close-in Weapon System (CIWS) and High-Power Radar (HPR): Contracts with Larsen & Toubro Limited for CIWS and HPR highlight India's commitment to strengthening its air defence capabilities. These systems developed domestically, not only enhance India's defence preparedness but also create significant employment opportunities, particularly in the aerospace and defence sectors.

BrahMos Missiles and Ship-borne Systems: The procurement contracts with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) for BrahMos missiles and ship-borne systems highlight India's focus on enhancing its maritime strike capabilities.