Delhi Air Shield, MQ-9B Drones, Missiles And Tanks: Big Defence Purchases Likely to Be Cleared Today

The Defence Ministry is likely to clear major purchases, including an air defence shield to protect the national capital, drones, missiles and tanks, according to a report by ANI. The apex procurement

body of the Defence Ministry, the Defence Acquisition Council (DCA), is expected to meet today. During the meeting, the DCA is likely to clear major indigenous projects for the Indian Defence Forces. As part of augmenting the drone capabilities of the Indian Army, the Defence Ministry is likely to decide on buying around 850 loitering munitions for the Indian Army, according to the report.As part of augmenting the drone capabilities of the Indian Army, the Defence Ministry is likely to decide on buying around 850 loitering munitions for the Indian Army. The Indian Army has also proposed to indigenously overhaul 200 T-90 tanks through a Defence public sector unit.

The Indian Navy has proposed the procurement of large number of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile systems from indigenous sources to counter threats to its warships. It is also likely to come up during the discussion. The DAC is also likely to take a call on leasing of two Sea Guardian MQ-9B HALE drones from the US for around three years at the meeting. These drones are crucial for long-range surveillance. Notably, India has already signed a deal for 31 of these drones, which are expected to begin arriving in India from 2028 onward.In order to give long-range combat advantage to the Indian Air Force, the Ministry is likely to clear the development and procurement of Astra Mark 2 air-to-air missiles. They have a strike range of over 200 km. Along with the Astra Mark-2, the DAC is also likely to clear Meteor air-to-air missiles, helpful for air superiority beyond visual range.

A large number of Spice-1000 air-to-ground missiles from Israel is also likely to be taken up for discussion at the meeting for the Indian Air Force.The case for buying six mid-air refueller aircraft, with Israeli Aircraft Industries as the sole vendor, will also be discussed. The DAC is also likely to clear the development of the 120 km-range Pinaka rockets, which would be capable of being fired from the same launcher used for the 45 km and 80 km-range rockets.(With ANI inputs)