Indian Navy Proposes Procurement Of 10 Additional Kamov-31 Choppers From Russia In Rs 3,500 Crore Deal

The Indian Navy has moved a proposal to the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) of the Defence Ministry to acquire 10 Kamov-31 choppers from Russia, which would bolster its capabilities against aerial threats to the present and future aircraft carriers and warships of Gregorivich class, reports Zee News.

The Indian Navy already has a fleet of 12 such Kamov-31 units which keep a check in the air around the aircraft carriers or destroyer ships operating in the open seas. This makes the new proposal a case for a ‘follow-on’ order under which the lengthy process of trials has already been gone through and aren't required again.

While major decisions are usually not taken during the elections, the Defence Ministry is an exception as there are national security issues involved. Thus, despite the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) being in full force, the major decisions with respect to defence purchases are continually being taken up by the Government of India and its empowered DAC.

The DAC is headed by the Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the chiefs of the three Armed Forces, the defence secretary and the scientific advisor to the Defence Minister. The DAC is expected to meet today (3 May 2019) and take up the issue.