In a bid to address the basic training requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) of Ministry of Defence has given its approval for procurement of 106 Basic Trainer Aircraft (HTT-40) from the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). In its meeting under the Chairmanship of Defence MinisterRajnath Singh, approvals were given to proposals worth of Rs 8,722.38 crore.
According to Ministry of Defence, the HAL has successfully developed Basic Trainer Aircraft (HTT-40) Prototypes and certification process underway. Post Certification 70 Basic Trainer Aircraft will be initially procured from HAL and balance 36 after operationalisation of HTT-40 fleet in IAF.
To improve the firepower of Indian Navy, the DAC approved procurement of an upgraded version of Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) which is fitted as the main gun on board Navy and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) warships from Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). The upgraded version of SRGM has enhanced capability to perform against fast manoeuvring targets like missiles and Fast Attack Crafts and increase the maximum engagement range.
In view of the availability of requisite capability for indigenous development of the ammunition, both in terms of ‘Manufacturing’ and ‘Technology’, the DAC approved procurement of 125 mm APFSDS (Armour Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot) ammunition for Indian Army as a ‘Design and Development Case’. The ammunition being procured will have a 70 per cent indigenous content.
The DAC also gave approvals that are likely to speed up the procurement of AK 203 and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle upgrades.
