Web Desk: India has approved $25 billion to strengthen its defense capabilities, including the purchase of transport aircraft, the Russian-made S-400 missile system, and unmanned combat drones.
According to a foreign news agency, India’s Ministry of Defence stated that the approved package also includes:
Tank ammunition
Gun systems
Air surveillance systems for the army
Upgrades to the Sukhoi Su-30 used by the Indian Air Force
Procurement of hovercraft for the coast guard
Additionally, India has signed a separate agreement worth $47 million with Russian company Rosoboronexport to acquire the Tunguska air defense system, triggering threats for the neighbouring states.
The statement further revealed that India has approved 55 defense projects worth $71 billion in total.
During the current fiscal year ending March 31, contracts worth 2.28 trillion Indian rupees across 503 agreements have also been signed—marking the highest level ever recorded in a single financial year.
It is worth noting that last month, India also approved $40 billion for the purchase of French-made Dassault Rafale jets for its air force and Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft for its navy.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India ranks among the top five countries second-largest arms importer in the world after Ukraine.
India has long relied on Russia for a significant portion of its defense needs and continues to modernize Soviet-era equipment.
At the same time, it is diversifying its defense procurement by engaging with countries like France, Israel, the United States, and Germany.
In recent years, India has also been focusing on local production of defense equipment, ranging from guns and drones to fighter jets and submarines.
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