Several key ‘Made in India’ defence projects are awaiting final approval by the Centre after the elections. These projects encompass the acquisition of K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers and fighter aircraft engines among others.
Pending Approvals
- The projects were originally scheduled for approval in March but were postponed until after the elections.
- The Cabinet Committee on Security will decide on the proposals, which include K-9 Vajra howitzers, Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft engines, and various research and development initiatives.
Role of HAL
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will play a significant role in producing the fighter aircraft engines, valued at around Rs 20,000 crore.
- HAL currently manufactures these engines for the Su-30 MKI combat aircraft at its Koraput facility in Odisha.
Increased Requirements
- The Indian Air Force’s requirements for these engines have increased due to the pandemic and other global developments.
- Final decisions on these projects are necessary post-elections.
Additional Procurement
- The proposal to purchase 100 more K-9 Vajra SP howitzers is also under review, responding to the Indian Army’s request.
Defence Research and Development
- Several defence research and development programmes by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) await government clearance and final approval.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Which committee will decide on the proposals for ‘Made in India’ defence projects?
- A) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
- B) Cabinet Committee on Security
- C) Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence
- D) Defence Acquisition Council
- Answer: B) Cabinet Committee on Security
- Who is set to produce the fighter aircraft engines for the Su-30 MKI combat aircraft?
- A) Bharat Electronics Limited
- B) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
- C) Tata Advanced Systems Limited
- D) Bharat Dynamics Limited
- Answer: B) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
- What is the value of the fighter aircraft engines to be produced by HAL?
- A) Rs 10,000 crore
- B) Rs 15,000 crore
- C) Rs 20,000 crore
- D) Rs 25,000 crore
- Answer: C) Rs 20,000 crore
- Why were the decisions on defence projects postponed until after the elections?
- A) Due to budgetary constraints
- B) In response to international pressure
- C) To address increased requirements
- D) To allow for political considerations
- Answer: D) To allow for political considerations
- Which company developed the K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzer?
- A) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
- B) Tata Advanced Systems Limited
- C) Bharat Dynamics Limited
- D) Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
- Answer: D) Larsen & Toubro (L&T)