New Delhi: In a major boost towards the country’s ‘Make in India’ initiative in the defence sector, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Thursday cleared two major projects related to Su-30 MKI fighter jets and K-9 Vajra Self-propelled howitzers.
According to news agency ANI, the cabinet cleared Rs 20,000 crore for 12 Su-30 MKI fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, as well as for 100 K-9 Vajra Self-propelled howitzers to be used by the Indian Army. Sharing details with the agency further, an official said that while the two projects were cleared on Thursday, the contract for the Su-30-MKI jets has been inked already.
HAL to manufacture 12 SU-30MKI jets
The task for the manufacturing of 12 SU-30MKI jets has been handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at its Nashik facility. The jets will be manufactured at the cost of cost around Rs 13,000 crore. Similarly, y Larsen and Toubro has been asked to manufacture 100 K-9 self-propelled howitzers at its Hazira facility in Gujarat.
Both projects will further strengthen the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) firms in their supply chains. It may be noted that howitzers have been inducted for forces stationed in both the eastern and western fronts in the country.
Cabinet sanctioned procurement of 240 aero-engines in September
In September this year, the CCS sanctioned the procurement of 240 aero engines for the Su-30MKI aircraft from the HAL. The step was taken with the aim of bolstering the operational readiness of one of the IAF’s most critical fighter planes.
Importantly, the engines of the AL-31FP model will be produced under the category of ‘Buy Indian’. Over 54% of Indigenous content is because of the localisation of several key components. The production will take place at HAL’s Koraput division. Issuing a statement, the defense ministry said, “The delivery of these aero-engines would start after one year and complete over eight years.”
