Govt clears Navy's ₹21,738-crore project to acquire 111 naval utility helicopters
NEW DELHI: The defence ministry has given initial approvals to the Rs 21,738-crore naval project for 111 armed light utility helicopters as well as a Rs 450-crore proposal for nine active towed array sonar systems for frontline warships.
The Nirmala Sitharaman-led defence acquisitions council accorded the "acceptance of necessity (AoN)" for the helicopter project to be executed under the "strategic partnership (SP)" policy of the overall "Make in India" thrust.
The new SP policy is basically aimed at boosting the indigenous defence production sector, with Indian private sector companies producing cutting-edge weapon systems in collaboration with global armament majors through joint ventures and technology transfers.