Defence Ministry okays procurement proposals worth Rs 21,000 crore

Continuing the stance that the NDA government has taken ever since coming to power, the indigenisation theme was visible even in the clearances given on Saturday. For instance, the Request for Proposal for the Avro replacement programme would be issued to Indian private players, who can jointly build the aircraft along with foreign vendors.

Acceptance of Necessity for the programme to replace the fleet of 56 Avro platforms was accorded by the Defence Acquisition Council in July 2012. As per the programme, 16 aircraft would be manufactured by the foreign vendors while 40 would be built within the country.

The tender for fleet support ships too would be issued to private sector and public sector shipyards within the country.

Another proposal, to produce Offshore Patrol Vessels and Fast Patrol Vessels for the Coast Guard, pegged at Rs 2,360 crore was also given a green signal.