The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) today has approved the procurement of six indigenously designed and manufactured Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) for the Indian Navy at an approximate cost of Rs. 4,941 crore. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the council.
India issued a request for information (RFI) to acquire six NGOPVs in January this year to improve its maritime surveillance and interdiction capabilities.
Also Read : Hindu Gods And Indian Words Have Influenced Japan For Nearly 500 Centuries
These vehicles will be used to search and rescue operations apart from war. The vessels will be capable of displacing about 2,500 tonnes of water, and feature accommodation for approximately 130 sailors and 20 officers. Currently, there are 10 patrol vessels operating in the Indian Navy. The force is also facing a unique problem in replacing its Russian origin MiG 29K fighter jets which are facing technical issues.
The navy had issued RFI to procure 57 naval fighter jets in December 2016, when Indian Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba had rejected the Naval version of Tejas in the form it was at that time. However, earlier in August, it underwent a series of successful tests to check its capability to land on an aircraft carrier. Tejas is a four-and-half generation light combat aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Post Your Comments