The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has given approval for various procurements for the armed forces, paving the way for the acquisition of Rafale jets, combat missiles, anti-tank mines, P-8i aircraft, and more. The approval includes six P-8i reconnaissance aircraft, a significant advancement for the Indian Navy, strengthening its maritime capabilities and surveillance while safeguarding strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region.
Chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the DAC meeting on Thursday sanctioned capital acquisition proposals amounting to Rs 3.60 lakh crore. This decision is expected to significantly enhance the preparedness and combat readiness of the armed forces. The Indian Navy is reinforcing its fleet with new warships and aircraft to ensure the security of maritime borders, given the region’s critical role in global trade.
The Ministry of Defence stated that the acquisition of P-8I aircraft from the United States will notably bolster the Navy’s capabilities in long-range anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and maritime strike operations. The terms for these aircraft were finalized during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US last year. The Indian Navy currently operates P-8I aircraft, having procured a total of 12 from the United States, with eight acquired in 2009 and an additional four in 2016.
The P-8I aircraft’s key features include its ability to detect and engage submarines deep underwater while flying at altitudes of up to 41,000 feet. With a range of 8,300 kilometers, the aircraft is equipped with 11 hardpoints for various armaments, such as anti-ship missiles, cruise missiles, torpedoes, anti-submarine warfare charges, and mines. Additionally, it is fitted with a high-performance multi-mission surface search radar.
