Nod to six more surveillance planes for Navy

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 28 

The Ministry of Defence has okayed the purchase of six additional Boeing P8-I maritime surveillance aircraft. It has accepted the need to procure 14 heavy helicopters for the Coast Guard and given the go-ahead to produce airborne surveillance aircraft for the Indian Air Force.

The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, today gave nod to the over Rs 22,800-crore capital procurement. The Navy has been using Boeing P8-I for multiple roles over sea and to keep an eye on land-based assets. 

The harpoon missile can be fitted onto the plane for killing submarines. The DAC okayed procurement of Twin Engine Heavy Helicopters for the Coast Guard to prevent maritime terrorism, infiltration by sea routes and rescue ops. 

Also, the DAC revalidated ‘Acceptance of Necessity' for procuring additional Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft.