New Delhi:

India on Friday sealed five major defense acquisition contracts worth Rs 39,125 crore, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, radars, weapon systems and aero-engines for the MiG-29 jet, as part of efforts to boost combat capabilities of the armed forces. Also includes purchase.

The mega procurement projects were strengthened amid India’s long-running border dispute with China in eastern Ladakh, and they will be implemented under the broader framework of the government’s policy to boost domestic defense manufacturing.

An official readout said the contracts to procure the platforms and weapon systems were signed in the presence of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Defense Secretary Giridhar Aramane, under whose guidance the deals came to fruition.

“These deals will further strengthen indigenous capabilities, save foreign exchange and reduce dependence on foreign-origin equipment manufacturers in the future,” it said.

Two separate deals were finalized for the purchase of BrahMos missiles.

The first is for the procurement of BrahMos missiles from BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) at a cost of Rs 19,518.65 crore.

“These missiles will be used to meet the combat organization and training requirements of the Indian Navy,” the Defense Ministry said.

The second contract is for procurement of ship-borne BrahMos system from BAPL at a cost of Rs 988 crore.

These missiles will be the primary weapon of the Indian Navy for maritime strike operations and the weapons will be fitted on various frontline warships.

The ministry said the system is capable of hitting ground or sea targets from extended ranges with pinpoint accuracy at supersonic speeds.

The deal to procure RD-33 aero engines for MiG-29 aircraft was signed with state-owned aerospace giant Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the project will cost Rs 5,249.72 crore.

The ministry said the aero engine will be produced by HAL’s Koraput division.

“These aero engines are expected to meet the requirement of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to maintain operational capability for the remaining service life of the MiG-29 fleet,” it said.

“The aero-engine will be manufactured under transfer of technology license from the Russian original equipment manufacturer. The program will focus on indigenization of several high-value critical components, which will enhance the indigenous content of future repair and overhaul operations of the RD-33. Aero-engine,” it said.

The ministry also signed an agreement with Larsen & Toubro Limited for the procurement of a batch of Close-In Weapon System (CIWS).

“A contract has been signed with Larsen & Toubro Limited for procurement of CIWS at a cost of Rs 7,668.82 crore,” the ministry said.

“CIWS will provide terminal air defense at selected locations in the country. The project will promote and encourage active participation of Indian aerospace, defense and related industries including MSMEs,” it said.

A contract for procurement of high-power radar systems has also been signed with Larsen & Toubro Limited at a cost of Rs 5,700 crore.

It will replace the existing long range radar of the LAF with modern active aperture phased array based HPR with advanced surveillance features.

“It will significantly enhance the terrestrial air defense capabilities of the Indian Air Force with the integration of sophisticated sensors capable of detecting small radar cross section targets,” the ministry said.

“This will give a boost to indigenous radar manufacturing technology as it will be the first radar of its kind manufactured by the private sector in India,” the ministry said.

The signing of the two contracts for the purchase of BrahMos missiles came days after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the acquisition.

CCS approved the procurement of more than 200 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and related equipment.

It is learned that it will be a mix of BrahMos missiles with a range of about 290 km and the latest extended range version of the weapon with a range of about 450 km.

BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd, an Indo-Russian joint venture, produces supersonic cruise missiles that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land platforms.

BrahMos missile flies at a speed of 2.8 Mach i.e. almost three times the speed of sound.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)