India in preparation to approve big defense deals, special focus on S-400 and unmanned jets

New Delhi: An important meeting is going to be held today to further strengthen the defense capability of the country. The Defense Acquisition Council i.e. DAC is preparing to approve several big defense deals on Friday. This includes important projects like S-400 air defense system, BrahMos cruise missile, unmanned combat jets and medium transport aircraft. According to Defense Ministry sources, a proposal to purchase 60 medium transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force can be passed in the meeting. Apart from this, the plan to purchase 5 more units of S-400 air defense system is also likely to be approved.

Proposal to purchase BrahMos cruise missiles

A proposal to purchase about 4 squadrons of indigenous Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft (Unmanned Combat Jets) for the Indian Air Force will also be made in the meeting. These drone fighter aircraft will play an important role in increasing the strength of the Indian Air Force. Sources said that the Indian Army has come up with a proposal to purchase a large number of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. This missile can hit up to 800 kilometers. This proposal can also be approved today. Let us tell you that DAC is the highest body of the Defense Ministry, which takes decisions to purchase new weapons and equipment for the armed forces.

The country is waiting for the delivery of S-400

The meeting, which is going to be chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, will also be attended by the Chief of Defense Staff, chiefs of the three armies and the Defense Secretary. In the case of S-400 Sudarshan air defense system, India is already awaiting delivery of 5 systems. At present the Indian Air Force team has gone to Russia to receive the fourth squadron. The fourth system is expected to arrive in April-May, while the fifth system may arrive by November-December. Now the proposal to purchase 5 additional units is also before the DAC.

Approval to purchase 5 squadrons of Project Kusha

Apart from this, the Air Force has already received approval to purchase 5 squadrons of the indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile system Project Kusha. This project is running under the leadership of DRDO. The Air Force wants to buy 60 aircraft under the Medium Transport Aircraft Programme. Brazilian company Embraer, American company Lockheed Martin and Russian company Ilyushin are said to be the main contenders in this tender. The Indian Army’s proposal to purchase 300 indigenous Dhanush howitzer artillery is also likely to be discussed and approved in the meeting.