Indian MoD Oks Multiple $8.5B Deals to Buy ATAGS, BrahMos Missiles and more

India defence ministry has approved multiple projects worth $8.5 billion (INR 70,500 Crore) combined to buy weapons for its military including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and advanced towed artillery gun systems (ATAGS).

The Indian Navy will get 200 BrahMos missiles to arm all of its frontline warships, which, according to media reports, is worth over $2 billion.

BrahMos Aerospace, the Indo-Russian joint venture that makes these missiles, recently increased the BrahMos’ strike range from 290km to 400km.

More than 300 units of indigenous 155mm/52 caliber ATAGS, developed by DRDO with Bharat Forge & TATA Advanced Systems, will be procured.

Besides these, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has also approved Shakti electronic warfare (EW) systems & Utility Helicopters-Maritime for the Indian Navy.

The Air Force’s Su-30MKI fighters will also get Long Range Stand-Off Weapons (LRSOW).

For Artillery modernisation, in addition to the ongoing Dhanush Gun System and K-9 Vajra-T Gun System, AoN for procurement of 155mm/52 Caliber Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) along with High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) and Gun Towing Vehicles (GTVs) for the Indian Army was accorded by the DAC. It also accorded AoN for procurement of Advance Light Helicopters (ALH) MK-III from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Coast Guard. The Helicopter will be able to carry a suite of surveillance sensors which will enhance the surveillance capabilities.