Among the recent activities of China in the Indian Ocean, India has also stepped in to increase its naval power. On Tuesday, Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman approved the purchase of 111 Utility helicopters to overcome the shortage of helicopter in the Navy. This will not only reduce the shortage of helicopter in the Navy but will also lead to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make in India project.
The purchase of these helicopters has been approved under the Strategic Partnership Model. These helicopters will be made under the make in India for Navy. This decision was taken in the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of the Defense Minister.
The projected expenditure on this project will be Rs. 21,738 crore. Of the 111, 16 helicopters will be bought in partnership with the partner company (Foreign Company), while the remaining 95 helicopters will be built under Indian Strategic Partners. The government will now start the search process of an Indian company to join a foreign helicopter manufacturer and its joint venture. The government started this model in May. This will be the first major deal under this new model.
On Tuesday, the purchase of nine actively Todd Aare Sonar Systems (Advance) for the Indian Navy was approved in the DAC meeting, led by Defense Minister Nirmala Siramaran. An estimated cost of 450 crore rupees in this project. Recent activities have seen China’s activities in the Indian Ocean . China’s warlike fleets and pandals were seen moving frequently from Karachi and Gwadar. It is believed that through this China wants to increase its Navy presence in the Indian Ocean.
