Big plans for 'Make-in-India' in defence sector: Centre to buy K-9 Vajras, Su-30 engines

Following general elections, several ‘Made in India’ projects are lined up aimed to modernize the India’s defence sector. As per the defence sources, proposal to buy K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers and engine for fighter jets are on Centre’s agenda. A number of defense research and development programmes of DRDO are also in the pipeline for clearance. The Centre is expected to take up the proposal for buying around 100 K-9 Vajra Howitzers in view of increased demand by Army. Meanwhile, HAL would be involved in the production of engines which would be worth around Rs 20,000 crore. Indian Army has inducted Howitzers in plains and desert sector but recently army has mobilized in Ladakh sector as well. Notably, Centre had cleared projects to buy 61 close-in weapon systems & High Powered Radars before the announcement of MCC. Mega Indigenous deals like the Rs 65,000 crore worth 97 LCA Mark 1A aircraft programme are also in progress.