Centre government defence projects: The Central Government has approved new projects worth ₹79,000 crore for the country’s Armed Forces. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, cleared these plans during a meeting held on October 23 in South Block, New Delhi. The Ministry of Defence shared the update in a statement on Thursday, saying these projects will greatly improve the strength of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Boost for the Indian Army
The government gave the green signal to several new projects for the Indian Army. These include the Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-II, also called NAMIS, the Ground Based Mobile ELINT System (GBMES), and High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) with Material Handling Crane. The ministry said all these will make the Army stronger and ready for modern battles.
Bharat Electronics bags Rs 633 crore defence deal from Cochin Shipyard
They said “The procurement of NAMIS (Tracked) will enhance the Indian Army’s capability of neutralising enemy’s combat vehicles, bunkers & other field fortifications, whereas GBMES will provide round-the-clock Electronic Intelligence of enemy emitters. The induction of HMVs will significantly improve logistic support to the forces in diverse geographical terrains.”
This means the Nag Missile System will help the Army destroy enemy tanks and bunkers. The GBMES will help track enemy electronic signals anytime, and the HMVs will make it easier to carry supplies and equipment in all kinds of areas, whether plain, desert, or mountain.
New Equipment for the Indian Navy
The Indian Navy also got major approvals during the meeting. The ministry said the Navy will get Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), 30mm Naval Surface Guns (NSG), Advanced Light Weight Torpedoes (ALWT), Electro Optical Infra-Red Search and Track Systems, and Smart Ammunition for 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount.
“The procurement of LPDs will help the Indian Navy to undertake amphibious operations along with Indian Army and Indian Air Force. The integrated sea capability provided by LPD will also help the Indian Navy to undertake peacekeeping operations, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief etc,” the statement said.
LPDs are large ships that can carry troops, vehicles, and equipment to shore during war or rescue missions. The ALWT torpedo is made by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory under DRDO and can target nuclear, midget, or regular submarines.
According to Mint, the Centre also said, “The procurement of 30mm NSG will enhance the capability of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard to conduct Low Intensity Maritime Operations & anti-piracy roles.” These new weapons will help the Navy stay ready for any threat and support both national defence and rescue missions.
India’s biggest airbase to be built in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh: Project covers 1,000 acres
New System for the Indian Air Force
The Defence Ministry also approved new plans for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF will get the Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction System, also known as CLRTS/DS. The ministry said, “The CLRTS/DS has the capability of autonomous take-off, landing, navigating, detecting and delivering payload in the mission area.”
This advanced system can fly and complete missions on its own, making the Air Force stronger and more modern in technology.
A day before the meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke about how India’s defence production is growing fast. He said that domestic defence production has now reached ₹1.5 lakh crore, and the private sector has invested ₹33,000 crore in it.
