Govt clears mega project to acquire 111 utility helicopters for Navy

In a major filip to Make in India initiative, the defence ministry on Tuesday approved procurement of 111 utility helicopters for the Indian Navy at a cost of Rs 21,738 crore.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

They said 16 helicopters will be procured at a fly away condition while 95 will be manufactured in India.

The government will now start the process to identify a foreign helicopter maker and an Indian defence firm for a joint venture for the project.

The DAC has also approved AON for nine Active Towed Array Sonar Systems (Advance) for the Indian Navy which will cost Rs 450 crore.

The Towed Array Sonar Systems (Advanced) will be fitted on the modern navy vessels which will enhance submarine detection capabilities in them.

In May, the government had unveiled the strategic partnership model under which select private firms will be roped in to build military platforms such as submarines and fighter jets in India in partnership with foreign entities.

OneIndia News (with agency inputs)