The Centre on Tuesday approved the purchase of 240 precision-guided bombs from Russia and 131 Barak missiles from Israel. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman cleared two proposals to procure the weapons for Rs 1,714 crore.
The KAB-1500 laser-guided bombs for Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets were procured from M/s JSC Rosoboron Exports at a cost of Rs 1,254 crore. The Barak-I missiles were acquired from M/s Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Limited for Rs 460 crore.
“The procurement of bombs will address the deficiency of Precision Guided Munitions in the Indian Air Force arsenal, besides enhancing the offensive capabilities of the IAF,” the ministry said. The surface-to-air Barak missiles for the Indian Navy will be used as a ship-borne anti-missile defence system against anti-ship missiles.
In May 2016, the Cabinet had approved the strategic partnership model to allow domestic private companies to form joint ventures with foreign defence equipment manufacturers.
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