New advanced engines for MiG-29, high-powered radars (HPR), and a closed-in weapon system deal (CIWS), among BrahMos Missiles, are on the procurement list for the Indian armed forces.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Friday formally signed five military procurement contracts totalling Rs 39,125 crore. One of these contracts was signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to acquire advanced aero engines for MiG-29 aircraft. Larsen and Toubro Limited (L&T) sealed the other two contracts to procure a close-in weapon system (CIWS) and the high-power radars (HPR). The remaining two deals were inked with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited to purchase BrahMos missiles and a ship-borne BrahMos system for the Indian Navy. The MoD emphasised that these agreements will enhance domestic capabilities, conserve foreign exchange, and diminish reliance on foreign-origin equipment manufacturers in the future.
RD-33 Aero Engines for MiG-29 Fighters
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
The agreement for RD-33 Aero Engines designed for MiG-29 aircraft has been officially executed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at a total expenditure of Rs 5,249.72 crore. The Koraput Division of HAL will undertake the production of these aero engines. The purpose of these Aero Engines is to address the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and sustain the operational capability of the MiG-29 fleet throughout its remaining service life, the Ministry stated. The manufacturing process will be conducted under a Transfer of Technology (TOT) license obtained from the Russian Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). The program will emphasize the indigenization of several high-value critical components, contributing to increased indigenous content for future Repair and Overhaul (ROH) tasks related to RD-33 aero-engines.
L&T Bags Major Contracts for CIWS and HPR
L&T Defence
As per the Defence Ministry, a contract for the procurement of the Close-in Weapon System (CIWS) has been finalised with Larsen & Toubro Limited at a value of Rs 7,668.82 crore. The CIWS is intended to offer terminal Air Defense to specific locations within the country. CIWS is planned for deployment at various locations across India to protect vital assets from all types of low-flying, low-signature aerial threats, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. CIWS comprises Air Defence Guns, Tracking Radars and a Search Radar linked to a Command & Control Shelter, along with associated simulators and communication equipment.
This initiative aims to stimulate active involvement from Indian aerospace, defence, and related industries, including MSMEs. The project is expected to generate direct and indirect employment, averaging around 2,400 individuals annually over five years.
Another contract for the procurement of High-Power Radar (HPR) has also been inked with L&T, amounting to Rs 5,700.13 crore. This radar system is designed to replace the existing long-range radars of the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a modern Active Aperture Phased Array-based HPR featuring advanced surveillance capabilities. The integration of sophisticated sensors capable of detecting small Radar cross-section targets will significantly enhance the terrestrial Air Defense capabilities of the IAF. HPR is a static sensor for long-range aerial surveillance with higher uptime. Equipped with multiple Next-gen features and capable of remote operations, they will augment IAF’s capabilities for monitoring special zones of interest, designating and tracking adversaries with optimal accuracy. The project is turnkey in nature and is to be executed across multiple locations.
Notably, this project represents a boost to indigenous radar manufacturing technology, being the first of its kind radar constructed by the private sector in India. The direct and indirect employment generated by this HPR project is estimated to be an average of 1,000 individuals per year over five years.
Arun Ramchandani, EVP & Head Defence Business, L&T said, “The two contracts include a high-power radar which will be deployed at the different locations by the (Indian) Air Force for identifying aerial targets at very long distances… In addition, we have also signed a contract for the close-in weapon system. The close-in weapon systems are used to protect vital assets of the country”.
CIWS and HPR shall be realised at L&T’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in close collaboration with industrial ecosystem partners comprising MSMEs across India.
“Winning these complex high-tech projects competitively after extensive trial evaluation is a testimony to our capabilities in design, development, precision engineering and manufacturing of advanced platforms and systems for the Indian Armed Forces. Our efforts are constantly focused on enhancing the self-reliance of the Indian Armed Forces”, said Ramchandani.
Procurement of BrahMos Missile Systems
BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL)
The agreement for acquiring BrahMos missiles has been formalized with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) at a total expenditure of Rs 19,518.65 crore. These missiles are intended to fulfil the combat outfit and training requirements of the Indian Navy. This undertaking is expected to create employment opportunities, accounting for nine lakh man-days in the Joint Venture entity and approximately 135 lakh man-days in ancillary industries, including MSMEs, across the country, stated MoD.
Furthermore, the contract for procuring the Shipborne BrahMos system has also been sealed with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) for Rs 988.07 crore. This system stands as the primary maritime strike weapon for the Indian Navy, installed on various frontline warships. Capable of striking land or sea targets with pinpoint accuracy at supersonic speeds over extended ranges, the project is expected to generate employment of approximately 60,000 man-days over 7-8 years, according to the Defence Ministry.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) gave the final nod to these major defence deals on February 23 to bolster the combat capabilities of the armed forces, including the largest-ever contract for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. The Contracts were exchanged in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane in the capital.
Ravi Shankar
