Citing defence of borders, Govt clears purchase of fighter aircraft, missiles
Days after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrapped up a visit to Russia amid the tense standoff between Indian and Chinese troops on the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh, the government Thursday cleared the purchase of new fighter aircraft, including 21 MiG-29 and 12 Su-30MKI, missiles, ammunition as part of a Rs 38,900-crore package to boost the combat capabilities of the armed forces.
Singh, who deferred a visit to Ladakh scheduled Friday, chaired a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) which approved the package, citing “the current situation” and the “need to strengthen” the armed forces “for the defence of our borders”, and in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “clarion call for Atmanirbhar Bharat”.
