Warships, Tanks to Combat China
STORIES, ANALYSES, EXPERT VIEWS
ET Online reports the government is on the verge of approving several major defense projects, with a total value of Rs 1.2 lakh crore. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is scheduled to convene Tuesday to review and potentially authorize these high-profile initiatives.
Defence sources indicated that the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is expected to approve issuing a tender worth approximately Rs 70,000 crore to Indian shipyards under the ‘Make in India' initiative, including private sector shipyards.
Project 17 Bravo: One of the key projects under consideration is the Indian Navy’s Project 17 Bravo, which involves the construction of seven advanced stealth frigates. This initiative, valued at approximately Rs 70,000 crore, aims to enhance the Navy's capabilities with the most modern warships ever built in India.
Mazagon Dockyards Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) are the leading contenders for this project. MDL is currently constructing four frigates under Project 17A, while GRSE is building three.
Army's Plan for New Tanks: The Army is also planning a significant upgrade to its armored forces, seeking to acquire 1,700 Future Ready Combat Vehicles CVs) to replace its aging fleet of Russian-origin T-72. This project, estimated to cost over Rs 50,000 crore, aims to modernize the Army’s armored vehicles, including tanks and infantry combat vehicles.
The Army is focusing on enhancing its operational readiness in various terrains, including high altitudes and deserts. Defence Ministry sources revealed, "Defence Ministry sources told India Today TV that the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is expected to clear projects worth over Rs 1.3 lakh crore in the meeting scheduled to be held on Tuesday."
The Army is also expected to propose the acquisition of approximately 100 BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles during the high-level meeting.
China's escalation and aggressiveness
This, writes Et Online comes amid China's escalation of its ‘string of pearls’ policy around India, transitioning from economic maneuvers to direct military initiatives. Beijing has upgraded regional infrastructure such as airports and ports for military applications and deployed surveillance assets to counter India. These efforts include underwater terrain mapping in the Maldives, enhanced electronic surveillance in the Bay of Bengal, and the deployment of various naval vessels.
Chinese strategic objectives appear to include disrupting India's technological capabilities through electronic means. Analysts highlight the significant threat posed by these Chinese measures. These actions include underwater terrain mapping that is specifically targeting Indian defense research establishments along the coastline.
In addition, China has expanded its naval influence in Sri Lanka by deploying research vessels and is also constructing an airstrip on the Great Coco Island in Myanmar, expected to be operational by February 2025. The Great Coco Island is in close proximity to India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which host several strategic naval and air force bases. There are reports that this island has already been used as a listening post against India. China’s plans include permanent deployment of research vessels near these islands.
Moreover, a joint exercise between the navies of China and Pakistan is slated for January next year along India's maritime boundary in the Arabian Sea. Meanwhile, China has upgraded its People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) military base in Djibouti from a simple turnaround and refueling facility to an infrastructure capable of repair and refurbishment activities.
(ET Online)