Raksha Mantri clears procurement of over Rs 9000 crore to purchase Light Machine Guns, ammunition

New Delhi, March 1: With an aim to fulfill the immediate requirement of the security forces and to bring a major boost in the Make in India initiative, the Defence Ministry on Wednesday cleared procurement of more than Rs 9000 crore to purchase 41,000 Light Machine Guns and over 3.5 Lakh Close Quarter Battle Carbines.

 

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Nirmala Sitharaman approved the proposals of the Services and Coast Guard valued at approximately Rs. 9,435 crore. In a major boost to the Make in India initiative, the Council accorded approval for procurement of 41,000 Light Machine Guns and over 3.5 Lakh Close Quarter Battle Carbines under 'Buy and Make (Indian)' category.

These weapons are an essential component of a soldier’s fighting equipment and will provide a major filip to the fighting capability of the troops. Out of total quantities envisaged, 75 percent will be through Indian Industry under 'Buy & Make (Indian)' category and balance through Ordinance Factory Board.

The DAC also accorded approval for procurement of essential quantity of High Capacity Radio Relay for the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. To enhance the ability of the Indian Coast Guard to rapidly undertake pollution control measures off the East Coast and Island Territories the Council cleared the proposal for acquisition of two Pollution Control Vessels.

Earlier, in the month of February this year, the Defence Ministry cleared procurement of more than Rs 1800 crore to purchase an essential quantity of Infantry Combat Vehicle (BMPs-2/2k) for Mechanised Infantry and other arms.

Also, to meet the immediate requirement of the troops deployed along the borders and tightening national security, the Defence Ministry cleared procurement of more than Rs 1500 crore to purchase an essential quantity of Light Machine Guns for the three Services through the Fast Track Procedure. In the month of January this year, the DAC approved procurement of 5,719 Sniper Rifles for the Indian Army and Indian Air Force at an estimated cost of Rs 982 crore.