In 'Make in India' push, Modi govt scraps missile, chopper tenders worth over Rs 50,000 cr

In line with Modi government's 'Make in India' push,  Defence Ministry on Friday decided to withdraw tenders related to import of short-range surface-to-air missiles, and 14 helicopters. Centre has started reviewing import deals that fall under 'Buy Global' category, which are fully acquired from foreign vendors.

In a bid to promote  Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative,  Defence Ministry has called off or shelved a number of deals and is mulling to sign m in favour of Indian developers.

import deals that have been closed or deferred include Very Short Range Air Defence Systems, towed artillery guns, vertically launched surface-to-air missiles, shipborne unmanned aerial systems, ditional P-8I surveillance aircraft along with MiG-29 combat aircraft.

Besides this, government has also cancelled deal for acquiring General Purpose Machine Guns and a missile deal is also going to be scrutinised. multi-billion-dollar Kamov-226 helicopter deal with Russia, as well as Kamov-31 shipborne choppers and Klub class anti-ship missiles, are likely to be scrapped.

Ministry, however, allowed forces to go ahe with a deal to buy air-to-ground missiles from France and overhaul Russian helicopters.

Modi govt's Aatmanirbhar Bharat push in Defence sector

move comes in backdrop of recent Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy laid down by government which aims at strengning defence production within country and furr supporting exporting to foreign countries. initiative came after Prime Minister Modi held a review meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and or officials including n Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, where it was felt that strong measures would have to be taken to ensure that country moves firmly towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence sector.

Shortly after meeting, a note to three Services by an ditional Secretary-rank officer of  Ministry stated that all stakeholders must take an in-principle call that no import of defence items will be going forward. Also, all capital and revenue procurement proposed or currently underway will be critically reviewed and it will be completed by January 15.

(With inputs from agency)