India paves way for military modernization, space exploration, unleashing major defence orders in September ’24

By R Anil Kumar

• India unleashes major defence orders in September ’24; paving way for military modernization, space exploration

• New budget approvals for space missions and indigenous defence manufacturing advancements marked significant progress for the nation

• India made major defence moves in September 2024. The government approved funds for military and space projects, including Future-Ready Combat Vehicles and new stealth frigates

• Defence partnerships and contracts were also finalized, strengthening India’s defence capabilities

• Adding to the month’s developments, India overtook Japan to become the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index, reflecting its growing economic and military influence in the region

New Delhi, October 14. The month of September 2024 witnessed a series of significant defence procurement and Space development initiatives by the Government of India (GoI), aimed at bolstering the country’s military and space capabilities and enhancing its strategic position in the global defence and space landscape.

One of the key highlights of September was the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approving 10 capital acquisition proposals worth Rs. 14,500 Crores.

The approvals include procurement of Future-Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs), which will significantly enhance the Army’s mobility and firepower.

In addition to the FRCVs, the DAC approved seven Project 17B stealth frigates for the Indian Navy, at an estimated cost of Rs. 70,000 Crores. The frigates will strengthen the Navy’s maritime defence capabilities and improve its surface warfare tactics.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) cleared a major contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the supply of 240 units of AL-31FP jet engines, valued at Rs. 26,000 Crores, for the Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft.

This deal, executed at a production rate of 30 engines per year, aims to ensure the fleet’s sustained operational readiness and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers.

In a significant boost to India’s space ambitions, the government approved a budget of Rs. 22,550 Crores for upcoming space missions.

This includes the next lunar mission, Chandrayaan-4, a Venus exploration mission, and the establishment of an Indian space station.

Additionally, the government has given the green signal for the development of a next-generation launch vehicle to support these ambitious projects, signalling a major step forward for India’s space capabilities.

Naval advancements also featured prominently in September, with Cochin Shipyard launching two anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft for the Indian Navy.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) approved the construction of extra-large unmanned underwater vehicles for the Navy, with a budget of Rs. 2.5 Crores.

Strategic collaborations marked another aspect of the month’s defence activities. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) formed a new joint venture with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) systems in India.

Additionally, India has signed an implementing agreement with the South African Navy for submarine rescue assistance, ensuring a robust framework for mutual support in underwater emergencies.

An order was also secured by PTC Industries to supply titanium cast components to Israel Aerospace Industries, furthering India’s role in the global defence supply chain.

Several contracts and new orders were finalized in September, reflecting the ongoing modernization efforts.

Furthermore, Dassault Aviation announced plans to establish an MRO facility for Rafale and Mirage fighter jets near Noida, signifying a strategic move to support India’s air combat capabilities locally.

In another significant move, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) awarded a contract worth Rs. 154 million to MTAR Technologies for the manufacture of full-scale and sub-scale combustors for air-breathing engines, underlining India’s focus on advancing propulsion technology.

Adding to the month’s developments, India overtook Japan to become the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index, reflecting its growing economic and military influence in the region.

Domestic defence manufacturing also saw new milestones, with the Small Arms Factory securing a significant export order for 2,000 medium machine guns from a European country.

The Indian Army also placed a substantial order for 700 Trinetra drones, underscoring the focus on indigenous drone technology.