Rs. 9,435-crore arms purchases to get rolling
Context:
The Defence Acquisition council (DAC) has given approval for various procurement proposals at an estimated cost of about Rs. 9,435 crore
Details:
- It includes purchases of 41,000 light machine guns (LMG) and over 3.5 lakh close quarter battle (CQB) carbines for the three services.
- The small arms would be procured under the Buy and Make (Indian) category and of the total quantities envisaged, 75% will be through Indian industry under “Buy and Make (Indian)” category and balance through Ordnance Factory Board (OFB).
- The cost of carbines and LMGs is Rs. 4,607 crore and Rs. 3,000 crore respectively.
- The Coast Guard will get two Pollution Control Vessels (PCV) at an approximate cost of Rs. 673 crore.
- The PCVs in addition to carrying out pollution control would also be capable of undertaking patrolling, search and rescue and limited salvage and fire-fighting operations at sea.
- The largest deal is for the procurement of 7.4 lakh assault rifles from both OFB and Private Industry at an estimated cost of Rs. 12,280 crore.
Conclusion:
The DAC approval is the first step in the long-drawn defence procurement procedure and will take several years for the final deals to be concluded.
