Govt Approves Procurement Of Air Defence Missile Systems And Other Proposals Worth Rs 4,300 Crore

Defence Ministry: The statement from the Ministry of Defense said that two of these three proposals are from the Indian Army and one is from the Indian Navy.

An exhibit of Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) Helina at the Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) pavillion. ( Image Source :File Photo/PTI )

New Delhi: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Tuesday approved three capital acquisition proposals totaling Rs. 4,276 crore for the purchase of indigenous Helina anti-tank missiles and air defense systems that will be developed for the purpose of destroying aircraft of adversaries. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh presided over a meeting of the Defense Acquisition Council. The statement from the Ministry of Defense said that two of these three proposals are from the Indian Army and one is from the Indian Navy. The proposals are categorized as Buy (Indian-IDDM).

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh approves Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for three capital acquisition proposals, worth Rs 4,276 crore. https://t.co/TLREEyK78z

— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) January 10, 2023

"The DAC accorded AoN for procurement of Helina anti-tank guided missiles, launchers and associated support equipment which will be integrated to the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)," it said.

This missile is an essential part of weaponisation of ALH for countering enemy threats.

"Its induction will strengthen the offensive capability of the Indian Army," the ministry said in a statement.

The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), which will incorporate HELINA Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, launchers, and supporting equipment, was granted AoN by the DAC. In order to combat the threat posed by the adversary, this missile is an essential component of ALH's weaponization. According to a statement issued by the Defense Ministry, its introduction will enhance the Indian Army's offensive capabilities. 

Additionally, the DAC approved the acquisition of the VSHORAD (IR Homing) missile system, which is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Air Defense (AD) weapon systems that are man-portable and quick to deploy in rugged terrain and maritime domain are essential in light of recent developments along the Northern borders. Air Defense's capabilities will be enhanced by purchasing VSHORAD, which is a robust system that can be quickly deployed.

In addition, the DAC approved the acquisition of Brahmos Launchers, a Fire Control System (FCS), and Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) for the Indian Navy. According to the statement, these ships would have enhanced capability of conducting maritime strike operations, interdicting and destroying merchant vessels and warships of the enemy, upon their induction.