Defense Ministry approves purchase of 111 helicopters for Indian Navy worth 21,738 Cr.

New Delhi, November 1: Mega project of purchasing 111 helicopters for Indian Navy has been approved by Defense ministry. This enormous decision of buying helicopters will cost Rs 21,738 Cr.

 

The long-pending proposal was cleared at a meeting of the India’s Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Indian Minister of Defense Nirmala Sitharaman. This is a huge step towards making Indian Navy more self reliant.

 

16 helicopters will be procured at a fly away condition from a foreign vendor while 95 will be manufactured in India. This is also an initiative towards PM Modi’s ‘Make in India’ program. The acquisition of the helicopters will be made under the strategic partnership model.

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.