Indian Navy likely to get six new BrahMos missile systems

New Delhi, May 12: With the aim to make Defence system more strong and competent, the government is contemplating to induct six new BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems into Indian Navy.

Reportedly, the worth of these missiles will be about Rs 2,700 crore.

Sources say that a Defence Acquisition Council meeting is scheduled on Wednesday where government most likely will take a final call.

Besides BrahMos, Army's proposal for acquiring BAE's M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers and the issue of the USD 2.5 billion Avro replacement programme is also likely to be discussed.

Another important proposal to be discussed is BAE Systems' offer to build a howitzer factory in India to close a deal valued at nearly USD 800 million.

It was first considered by the UPA regime but underwent a quiet burial due to differences over price and offset commitments.

However, keen to sell its guns to India, the American company has offered to be part of the 'Make in India' initiative, sources said, adding that the firm is ready to set up an assembly line here with a local partner to make the guns domestically.

The sources said it would be a government to government deal between US and India.

The Army, which is in desperate need of new artillery guns, is keen that Foreign Military Sales (FMS) option be revived for BAE's guns and that a fresh Letter of Offer and Acceptance be floated to US.

Another key proposal that would come under discussion is the lone bid of Airbus-TATA consortium to replace IAF's ageing fleet of 56 Avro aircraft with C-295 transport carriers.

A final decision was anticipated in November last year but Parrikar had then sought more information about the necessity of the aircraft and the bidding process.

Under the current defence procurement policy, single-vendor situation is not entertained unless cleared by the DAC.

OneIndia News

(With inputs from PTI)