India Approves Major Defense Deals Worth ₹80,000 Crore for Nuclear Submarines and Predator Drones


India has approved significant defense agreements totaling ₹80,000 crore, enhancing its naval and surveillance capabilities. The Cabinet Committee on Security greenlit the construction of two nuclear submarines at Vishakhapatnam, with an investment of around ₹45,000 crore and involvement from private firms like Larsen and Toubro. This initiative aims to address critical underwater gaps and is part of a long-term plan to acquire six such submarines under the Advanced Technology Vessel project.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved the acquisition of 31 Predator drones from General Atomics in the U.S. The deal, necessary to finalize before October 31, will see the Indian Navy receiving 15 drones, while the Army and Air Force will each receive eight. These drones, expected to enhance surveillance, may incorporate Indian technology from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Solar Industries as part of the “Make in India” initiative.

 


India has greenlit substantial defense agreements valued at ₹80,000 crore, significantly enhancing the Indian Navy and the overall surveillance capabilities of its armed forces. The Cabinet Committee on Security approved plans for the indigenous construction of two nuclear submarines and the acquisition of 31 Predator drones from the United States.

The Indian Navy is set to receive two nuclear-powered attack submarines, which will significantly enhance its operational capacity in the Indian Ocean Region. The construction of these submarines will take place at the Ship Building Centre in Vishakhapatnam, with an estimated cost of around ₹45,000 crore. This initiative will prominently involve private sector companies, such as Larsen and Toubro, addressing critical underwater capability gaps identified by the Indian Navy.

In the long term, India aims to have a fleet of six such submarines as part of its submarine induction strategy. These new submarines will be built under the Advanced Technology Vessel project, distinct from the five nuclear submarines being constructed under the Arihant class at the same facility.

Additionally, the Cabinet Committee on Security approved the procurement of 31 Predator drones from American defense manufacturer General Atomics through a Foreign Military Sales agreement between India and the U.S. This deal needed to be finalized before October 31 due to the expiration of the American proposal’s validity, and it is anticipated to be signed shortly. Following the signing, the defense forces will begin receiving the drones over a four-year period.

Out of the 31 drones, the Indian Navy will receive 15, while the Army and Indian Air Force will each get eight. These drones will be deployed together at two bases in Uttar Pradesh. Indian equipment, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the private sector firm Solar Industries, may be integrated into the drones as part of the “Make in India” initiative, positioning them as crucial assets for peacetime surveillance.

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