CCS Approval for Major Defence Deals

Source: The post on CCS Approval for Major Defence Deals is based on the article “CCS clears deals for 31 MQ-9B drones and submarines” published in “The Hindu” on 10th October 2024.

Why in the News?

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved two major defence acquisitions: Purchase of 31 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Indigenous construction of two nuclear attack submarines (SSNs).

About CCS Approval for Major Defence Deals

1. MQ-9B UAVs Acquisition: India will procure 31 MQ-9B UAVs from General Atomics (USA), including: 15 Sea Guardians for the Indian Navy and 16 Sky Guardians (8 each for the Army and Air Force). The total cost of the MQ-9B UAV deal is approximately $3.99 billion.

2. Indigenous Content and MRO Facility:  The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) previously approved amendments to include indigenous content in the UAV deal. General Atomics will set up a Global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India to meet offset obligations as part of the deal.

3. Indigenous SSN Construction: The SSN project will build upon India’s existing SSBN capabilities, following the successful commissioning of INS Arighaat and INS Arihant. SSNs provide the Navy with unlimited endurance, limited only by crew stamina, enabling a wide range of maritime tasks.

4. India’s SSN Capabilities and Future Plans: India has previously leased two SSNs from Russia, with a third on the way, expected to join the fleet within two to three years. This new indigenous SSN project will further enhance India’s naval strength and strategic capabilities.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology