Govt signs Rs 39125 crore defence contracts for missiles, radar & more

For self-reliance in the defence sector, the government has signed five defence agreements worth Rs 39125 crore for various equipment including missiles and radar. These agreements have been signed for the purchase of various types of defense equipment under 'Make in India'. These mainly include BrahMos supersonic missiles, engines of MiG-29 fighter planes, radar etc.

Defense equipment will be produced indigenously:

• These defence deals were signed in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh & Defence Secretary Girdhar Armane on March 1, 2024.
• Amidst the increasing tension with China in Eastern Ladakh, these deals will help in curbing China. Foreign exchange will also be saved due to indigenous production of defence equipment. There will be less dependence on foreign countries for defense equipment.

Agreement for purchase of BrahMos missiles:

• Of the five agreements, two agreements have been signed with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) for the purchase of BrahMos missiles.
• An agreement worth Rs 19,518.65 crore has been signed to purchase BrahMos missiles.
• These missiles will be used for the training requirements of the Indian Navy. This project will generate significant employment opportunities.
• The second contract has been signed with BAPL for purchasing BrahMos equipped vessels at a cost of Rs 988 crore.
• Thus, the navy can attack at supersonic speed on sea or land. This project will provide employment of 60 thousand working days for seven-eight years. There are plans to deploy BrahMos missiles in Ladakh as well.

Agreement for purchase of aero engine for MiG-29 from HAL:

• An agreement has been signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a major government company in the defense sector, on the purchase of RD-33 aero engines for MiG-29 fighter planes. The cost of this project will be Rs 5,249.72 crore.
• The aero engine will be produced at HAL's Koraput division. These engines will be installed in MiG-29. These will be manufactured through Transfer of Technology (TOT) license from Russian OEM. There will be no problem in its repair and expansion in future also.

CIWS and radar will be purchased from Larsen & Toubro:

• Two agreements have been signed with Larsen & Toubro Limited. Under which 'Close-in Weapon System' (CIWS) and high capacity radar will be procured. The purchase of CIWS will cost Rs 7,668.82 crore and the purchase of radar will cost Rs 5,700 crore.
• Close-in weapon system is a defense warfare system to detect and destroy short-range missiles and enemy aircraft.

The first radar system in India to be built by the private sector:

• During this five-year project, 2400 people will be engaged in this work every year. The high-powered radar has state-of-the-art surveillance features. This will increase the air defense capability of the Air Force.
• This will be the first radar system in India to be built by the private sector. This will provide employment to an average of one thousand people every year for five years.