India’s Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) approved additional equipment during its meeting on February 16th.
The other weapons systems include six Netra MK-1A Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft, three Airbus A-319 configured as Signals Intelligence and Communication Jamming aircraft, and one aircraft configured as an aerial refueling tanker. The approved systems also include the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile variant of the Nirbhay subsonic cruise missile and approximately 900 Canister-Launched Anti-Armor Loitering Munitions. The DAC also approved additional MH-60r Seahawk helicopters and 48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes for the Kalvari-class submarine fleet.
This deal is part of India’s efforts in its Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative to develop a more modernized military to counter China.
