Spy planes, missiles, Sukhoi-30 upgrades in focus as Defence Ministry to discuss Rs 1 lakh crore modernisation plan

Sukhoi 30

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to meet this week to take up proposals worth over Rs one lakh crore for modernising the defence forces are expected to be taken up for clearance. The DAC is the highest body in the defence ministry for capital procurements for modernisation.

Defence sources told ANI the list of proposals worth over Rs one lakh crore for buying equipment for modernisation has been listed in the meeting agenda planned around end of this week. The project for upgrading the capabilities of the 84 Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets is also expected to come up for discussion.

The Quick Reaction Surface-to-air missile system(QRSAM) made by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) would be taken up for clearance for the Indian Army in an effort to strengthen the air defence capabilities of the country

The project worth around Rs 30,000 crore, would be critical for the Indian Army's air defence capabilities as the system can be effective against targets up to 30 kms.

The Indian Air Force(IAF) would be putting up a proposal for buying three spy planes for keeping a track of enemy activities on the ground under the I-STAR programme.

The Intelligence, Surveillance, Targetting and Reconnaissance aircraft would be critical for the Air Force's plans to take out ground targets in future, the sources said to ANI .The three aircraft would be acquired from an original equipment manufacturer and then be modified by the DRDO lab Centre for Airborne Systems in partnership with private partners.

The Indian Navy will also be fielding a proposal for DRDO-developed Pressure-based Moored Mines at the meeting, which are to be used for targeting enemy submarines and surface ships.

*With Agency Inputs