Government’s thumbs up for Rs 22,000-crore military project deal

India on
Thursday nodded over purchasing weapons and systems worth Rs 22,800 crore to
enhance the military’s capabilities, a defence ministry spokesperson said.

The Defence
Acquisition Council, the defence ministry’s top procurement body, green-lit the
indigenous development and manufacturing of thermal imaging night sights for
assault rifles to bolster the Make in India initiative.

 “The sights will be manufactured by the Indian
private industry and used by troops deployed on the frontline, would enable
troops to undertake long range accurate engagement in dark and all weather
conditions thereby enhancing the night fighting capabilities,” a release said.

The council
also revalidated the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of
additional Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. The AoN is the
first step towards making a military purchase.

The DAC also
approved procurement of additional P8-I maritime surveillance aircraft for the
navy and twin-engine heavy helicopters for the coast guard.