India continues defense spending spree with $8.8bn package
The Indian Defense Ministry has approved an $8.8 billion spending plan for the acquisition of missiles, electronic surveillance systems, and amphibious vessels, aimed at enhancing the military's combat capabilities.
The proposals were cleared on Thursday during a meeting of the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), the ministry said in a statement.
For the navy, the DAC has greenlighted landing platform docks to enable amphibious operations, 30mm naval surface guns for low-intensity maritime and anti-piracy operations, and advanced lightweight torpedoes, developed by the state-backed Defense Research Development Organization, to target enemy submarines.
The army will receive Nag tracked-missile systems to neutralize enemy combat vehicles and fortifications, ground-based mobile electronic intelligence systems for 24/7 monitoring of enemy activities, and high mobility vehicles to improve logistical support in diverse terrains, the ministry added.
The air force will receive collaborative long-range target saturation and destruction systems with autonomous capabilities.
India has cleared a slew of defense-related projects this year.
In August, New Delhi approved defense purchases worth about $7.6 billion, which included more BrahMos missiles and armed drones, along with upgrades to other existing platforms.
In March, the DAC granted initial approval for arms and equipment purchases exceeding $6.26 billion. The proposed acquisitions include upgraded engines for the Indian Army’s Russian-made T-90 battle tanks, additional anti-submarine torpedoes for the navy, and airborne early warning and control systems for the air force.
India, which is one of the world’s top defense importers, has historically relied on Russia for equipment as well as technology.
Moscow is an active partner in New Delhi’s weapons indigenization plans, with some Russian defense equipment being manufactured under licensing agreements in India.
