Defence Ministry approves buying hardware worth Rs 22K crore including 6 ALH for Coast Guard

New Delhi: The Defence Ministry on Tuesday approved buying hardware worth nearly Rs 22,000 crore including six advanced light helicopters for the coast guard and over 30 fast attack craft for the navy.

Other approvals include smaller interceptor boats for operations in coastal water, electronic warfare system and overhauling of the tanks, armoured vehicles and Su-30 engines.

“The Defence Acquisition Council headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approves five capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 21,772 crores to augment defence preparedness,” a ministry official said.

The procurement includes 31 water jet fast attack craft, 120 fast interceptor craft, electronic warfare suite, next generation radar warning receiver and advanced light helicopters for surveillance in coastal areas.

While fast attack crafts are for low intensity maritime operations, surveillance, patrol and search operations near the coast, the interceptor vessels have multiple roles including escorting aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates and submarines.

The approval for the EWS system will comprise external airborne self protection jammer pods, next generation radar warning receiver and associated equipment for Su-30 MKI.

“These systems will enhance the operational capabilities of the combat jet and protect it from enemy radars and related weapon systems while carrying out a mission against enemy targets protected by air defence systems,” the official said.

The ministry has also accorded approval for procurement of six ALH for the Indian Coast Guard to strengthen the coastal security and surveillance. It also permitted overhaul of T-72 and T-90 tanks, BMPs and engines of Sukhoi fighter aircraft to enhance their service lives.

The DAC approval is the first step in India's protracted military procurement system because such approvals are to be vetted by the Union Finance Ministry and the Cabinet Committee on Security before commercial contracts are inked.