With approval from the nation's top security decision-making body, the Indian government is getting closer to purchasing a multibillion dollar package of fighter jet engines, air defense weapons, cruise missiles, and surveillance radars.
The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the four procurement projects on February 21st, at a meeting. The projects have a combined value of approximately 350 billion rupees, or $4 billion.
Ground-based air surveillance radars, air defense guns for the Army, BrahMos cruise missiles for the Navy, and new engines for the Air Force's MiG-29 fighters were among the approved items, according to local media reports citing government sources.
The Defense Ministry's contractual pathway requires approval from the committee, which is chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to local media, a deal to purchase BrahMos missiles would be signed in March. The combined deal would be the biggest BrahMos order for India ever, consisting of about 220 warheads to outfit Indian destroyers and frigates.
According to reports, a combination of standard 290-kilometer (180-mile) and extended 450-kilometer (280-mile) BrahMos missiles—of which 75% are produced locally—will be supplied under the contract.
Under a contract for over $375 million signed in January 2022, India is also exporting BrahMos missiles to the Philippines. The CEO of BrahMos Aerospace, which makes missiles, Atul Rane, stated last year that the company aims to export $5 billion worth of BrahMos weaponry by 2025.
The committee also gave its approval to the $844 million acquisition of Sudarshan air defense systems from private company Larsen & Toubro. The systems, which include 40mm guns and radars, would be used by the Army to defend its sites and the nation's borders.
