Ministry of Defence Approves Major Indigenous Projects: What’s Special About These Defence Deals?

New Delhi: Several important decisions were taken at the meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council, the highest procurement body of the Ministry of Defence. According to sources, the meeting was held to approve major indigenous projects for the Indian armed forces. These projects include an indigenous integrated air defence weapon system to protect the Delhi-NCR region from aerial threats. With the aim of enhancing the Indian Army’s drone capabilities, the Ministry of Defence may decide to procure approximately 850 loitering munitions.

The proposal for the Indian Navy to procure a large number of medium-range surface-to-air missile systems from indigenous sources to counter threats hovering over its warships is also likely to be discussed. The meeting will also decide on India leasing two Sea Guardian MQ-9B HALE drones from the US for approximately three years. India has already signed an agreement for 31 of these drones, which are expected to start arriving in India from 2028.

The Ministry of Defence is likely to approve the development and procurement of a large number of Astra Mark 2 air-to-air missiles with a range of over 200 kilometers for the Indian Air Force. This also includes the procurement of a certain number of Meteor air-to-air missiles.

The Indian Army is also proposing the indigenous modernization of 200 T-90 tanks through a public sector undertaking in the defence sector. The procurement of a large number of Spice-1000 air-to-ground missiles from Israel for the Indian Air Force is also likely to be discussed at the meeting.

The procurement of six mid-air refuelling aircraft, with Israel Aerospace Industries as the sole vendor, will also be discussed. The Defence Coordination Committee, including top officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Army, is also likely to approve the development of Pinaka rockets with a range of 120 kilometers, which can be fired from the same launcher used for rockets with ranges of 45 kilometers and 80 kilometers.