India Plans New Warships and Tanks: Big Meeting Led by Rajnath Singh
New Delhi [India], September 2: Amid the ongoing standoff with China, the Defence Ministry is set to undertake major projects, including the construction of seven advanced frigates for the Indian Navy and the Indian Army’s proposal to replace its T-72 tanks with modern Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs).
High-Level Meeting
The meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is scheduled for Tuesday at South Block and will be attended by top officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, the three service chiefs, the Defence Secretary, and other relevant officials.
Indian Navy’s Plan
The Indian Navy’s plan involves acquiring seven new warships under Project 17 Bravo, which will be the most advanced stealth frigates ever built in India, following the Nilgiri-class frigates currently under construction. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is expected to approve issuing a tender worth approximately Rs 70,000 crore to Indian shipyards under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, including private sector shipyards.
The tender will likely involve Category A shipyards, such as Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, Goa Shipyard Limited, and Larsen & Toubro. To expedite the project and prevent delays, the tender is expected to be split between two shipyards.
Indian Army’s Proposal
The Indian Army’s proposal to replace its Russian-origin T-72 tanks with 1,700 FRCVs will also be discussed at the meeting. The Army plans to replace the T-72s with indigenous FRCVs, which will be built under the Make-1 procedure of the Defence Acquisition Procedure. Indian vendors will be required to manufacture the tanks with over 60 per cent indigenous content, and major companies like Bharat Forge and Larsen & Toubro are expected to participate in the tender.
The Indian Army aims to complete the FRCV project in phases, with approximately 600 tanks being built in each phase. Additionally, the Army is expected to propose acquiring around 100 BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles during the high-level meeting. The overall FRCV project is likely to cost over Rs 50,000 crore, aimed at modernising the force’s Armoured Regiments.
Doubts Revealed
Rajnath Singh -: Rajnath Singh is a senior Indian politician who is currently the Defence Minister of India. He is responsible for overseeing the country’s defense and military matters.
Defence Ministry -: The Defence Ministry is a part of the Indian government that takes care of the country’s defense and military forces. It makes sure that India is safe and protected.
frigates -: Frigates are a type of warship used by the Navy. They are smaller than destroyers but are very fast and can carry weapons to protect the country.
T-72 tanks -: T-72 tanks are old military tanks used by the Indian Army. They are now being replaced with newer, more advanced tanks.
Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) -: Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) are modern tanks that will replace the old T-72 tanks. They have better technology and are more powerful.
service chiefs -: Service chiefs are the top leaders of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. They help make important decisions about the military.
Make in India -: ‘Make in India’ is a government initiative to encourage companies to manufacture their products in India. This helps create jobs and boosts the economy.
Indian shipyards -: Indian shipyards are places in India where ships are built and repaired. They will be involved in making the new warships for the Navy.