It’s raining orders for the indigenous defence industry with the armed forces placing orders for more fighter jets, battle tanks and missiles, defence minister A.K. Antony announced on Tuesday.
The defence minister spoke of the overflowing order books of the industry: the Indian Air Force’s decision to acquire a second squadron of the Tejas fighter jet — 20 combat jets in addition to the first order of 20; a repeat order for 124 Arjun main battle tanks put in by the Indian Army, and two “squadrons” of Akash air defence missiles, also for the Army.
“These orders show the Indian industry is coming of age. I am confident that India will become a major defence production centre of the world and our dependence on foreign suppliers will come down soon,” he said after unveiling the naval trainer version of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) in the city.
Official sources said the combined military orders for the DRDO-developed Akash, including two radar, are worth Rs 23,300 crores, the biggest order ever for DRDO’s tactical missile and radar systems. The Army’s decision to acquire these missiles was approved by the defence acquisition council (DAC) last month.
Mr Antony said he would look forward to a New Year gift — the critical initial operational clearance for the Tejas combat jets ahead of their induction into the IAF, and the maiden test-flight of the carrier-borne naval trainer aircraft.
The sole carrier-borne fighter in the light category in the world, the LCA (Navy) will form the air element of the Indian Navy. Its primary role will be that of air defence.
It will provide a formidable platform with a higher thrust engine as a suitable replacement for the ageing Sea Harriers at a later date. It will fly with a variety of weapons and equipment, like the beyond visual range missile, anti-ship missiles, conventional bombs, air defence guns, and drop tanks.
Unlike its IAF counterpart (Tejas), the naval version will be fitted with a stronger and longer landing gear, arrester hook for ship deck touchdown, front fuselage drooped for better over-the-nose vision to facilitate ship landing, and an additional control surface to reduce the speed in quick time.