Govt clears procurement of 111 Naval helicopters at Rs. 21,000cr
In a major decision, the Defense Ministry today gave its nod to the acquisition of 111 Utility Helicopters for the Navy at a cost of over Rs. 21,000cr besides approving separate procurement proposals worth nearly Rs. 25,000cr, according to officials. A meeting of the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), the Ministry's highest decision-making body on procurement, had cleared the proposals. Here are more details.
Utility Helicopters will be used in attack missions
The procurement of the Naval Utility Helicopters will be the first project under the ambitious Strategic Partnership (SP) model which provides for roping in private firm to build select military platforms in India in partnership with foreign defense manufacturers. The Utility Helicopters will be used in attack missions as well as for search and rescue and surveillance operations.
Other procurement proposals approved by government
The Ministry said DAC also granted approval to a few other procurement proposals amounting to Rs. 24,879.16cr, which included one on buying 150 indigenously designed and developed 155mm Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems for Army at an approximate cost of Rs. 3,364.78cr. These guns have been indigenously designed and developed by DRDO and will be manufactured by production agencies, as nominated by DRDO.
DAC also accorded approval to procure 24 Naval Multi-Role Helicopters
The DAC also accorded approval to procure 24 Naval Multi-Role Helicopters (NMRH) which will have the capability to engage in anti-submarine warfare. The NMRHs are an integral part of the frontline warships like the aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, and corvettes. In addition, the government also approved procurement of 14 vertically launched short-range missile systems. Of these, 10 systems will be indigenously developed.
Govt had issued RFI in 2011, 2013
The Navy has been pressing the government to procure new Utility and Multi-Role Helicopters to add teeth to its existing capability and replace its aging fleet of choppers. The government had issued a Request For Information (RFI) for the same in 2011 and in 2013.
What is Strategic Partnership (SP) model?
In May last year, the Defense Ministry had finalized the Strategic Partnership (SP) model under which select private firms will be roped in to build military platforms like submarines, fighter jets, and choppers in India in partnership with foreign entities. The policy envisages the establishment of long-term strategic partnerships with Indian defense majors through a transparent and competitive process.
Strategic partners will be selected in four segments
Initially, the strategic partners will be selected in four segments - fighter aircraft, helicopters, submarines, and armored fighting vehicles/main battle tanks. It is expected to be expanded to other segments at a later stage.
