India grants initial approval for $6b defence purchases

The defence body also approved guidelines for making the process of arms acquisition 'faster, more effective and efficient'

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India's defence acquisition council gave initial approval on Thursday for the purchase of arms and equipment worth more than 540 billion rupees ($6.26 billion) to enhance the capabilities of its armed forces, the defence ministry said.

The approval includes the purchase of more powerful engines for Russian-origin T-90 battle tanks operated by the Indian Army, additional anti-submarine torpedoes for the Indian Navy, and airborne early warning and control aircraft systems for the Indian Air Force.

The defence body also approved guidelines for making the process of arms acquisition "faster, more effective and efficient".

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved eight proposals that include the purchase of more powerful engines for the Army's T-20 tanks, antisubmarine torpedoes for the Navy, and Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Aircraft Systems for the Air Force.

The council accorded 'Acceptance of Necessity' (AON) for the procurement of a 1350 HP engine to upgrade the present 1000 HP engine for the T-90 tanks. This will enhance the battlefield mobility of these tanks especially in high-altitude areas by increasing the power-to-weight ratio, according to a Defence Ministry statement.