The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the highest decision-making body for defence procurement in India, has greenlit a series of crucial defence projects aimed at bolstering the nation's military capabilities.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting of the DAC, where the council authorized the scheduled refit of the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. This refit, slated to take place later this year, is crucial for maintaining and upgrading the carrier's operational capabilities.
The INS Vikramaditya, a modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier, is a cornerstone of the Indian Navy's fleet and plays a pivotal role in safeguarding India's maritime interests.
The comprehensive refit will involve extensive maintenance, repairs, and technological upgrades to various systems onboard the carrier. These enhancements are essential to ensure the vessel remains a potent force in the Indian Ocean region.
Furthermore, the DAC reviewed and cleared several other critical defence acquisition proposals. WThey are expected to encompass a wide range of equipment and systems for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The INS Vikramaditya, formerly known as Admiral Gorshkov, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2013 after undergoing extensive refitting and modernization in Russia.
The 45,000-tonne carrier is capable of carrying over 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets and helicopters. It has been a key asset for the Indian Navy, participating in various exercises and operations in the Indian Ocean region.
The scheduled refit is expected to extend the carrier's service life and enhance its combat capabilities. It will likely involve upgrades to its sensors, communication systems, and weapons platforms, making it even more formidable in the maritime domain.
