Big boost for ‘Aatmanirbharta’, MoD signs defence contracts worth over Rs 30K cr

In a significant advancement for the “Make-in-India” campaign under “Aatmanirbharta in Defence,” the Ministry of Defence (MoD) inked five large capital acquisition contracts in Delhi on Friday, valued at Rs 39,125.39 crore. Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were present when the contracts were signed.

Two contracts with Larsen and Toubro Limited for the purchase of a Close-in Weapon System and a High-Power Radar, one with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the purchase of Aero-engines for MiG-29 aircraft, and two with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited for the purchase of BrahMos missiles and a ship-borne BrahMos system for the Indian Defense Forces were among the five total.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has inked a contract to provide RD-33 Aero Engines for MiG-29 aircraft at a cost of Rs 5,249.72 crore. The HAL Koraput Division will be responsible for producing these aeroengines.

The IAF’s requirement to maintain the MiG-29 fleet’s operational capabilities for the remainder of its service life is anticipated to be met by these aero engines. The Russian OEM has granted a Transfer of Technology licence for the manufacture of the aeroengines. The program’s main goal is to improve the percentage of indigenous materials used in upcoming RD-33 aero-engine repair and overhaul activities by indigenizing a number of high-value, key components.

At a cost of Rs 7,668.82 crore, Larsen and Toubro Limited has secured a contract for the procurement of CIWS.