India approves $5.46 billion defence equipment purchase

NEW DELHI: India on Friday approved the purchase of military equipment worth about $5.46 billion for its defence forces, including missiles, electronic warfare systems, anti-drone systems and Kamikaze drones, AFP reported. 

The acquisition was approved in principle by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which comprises senior military officials and is headed by the defence minister.

According to a government statement, the estimated cost of the approved procurements is around 520 billion rupees.

The statement did not specify the timeline for the acquisitions or whether the equipment would be imported or produced domestically.

The approved purchases for the Indian army include anti-drone and electronic warfare systems, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, portable anti-tank missiles and a Jet Based Kamikaze Drone System.

The DAC also approved procurement of new naval mines, shipborne drones and a testing facility to strengthen maritime defence and surveillance capabilities.

For the Indian Air Force, the council cleared the purchase of a high-altitude unmanned aircraft platform for intelligence gathering and remote sensing.

India’s current defence budget stands at $85 billion.

The approvals come as New Delhi continues to modernise its armed forces and expand naval capabilities amid Beijing’s growing influence in Indian Ocean shipping lanes.

In December, India began ordering at least 75 ships and submarines, most of them to be built domestically.

Earlier this year, senior officials approved the purchase of $39 billion worth of defence equipment, including Rafale jets from France.