Kamov-31 Choppers Deal: Defence Ministry Approves Acquisition From Russia at Rs 3,600 Crore

New Delhi, May 3: The Defence Ministry today cleared the acquisition of 10 Kamov-31 choppers from Russia. The cost of the project is around Rs 3,600 crore, and the choppers would be used in airborne early warning roles. The Indian Navy already has a fleet of 12 of Kamov-31 choppers, which helps in sanitising air space around the aircraft carriers and destroyers operating in open seas. Indian Navy to Get 16 Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts; Defence Ministry Signs Second Contract.

These choppers will also be helpful in enabling real-time network-centric warfare for the Indian Navy. Meanwhile, Russian origin Kamove-25 and Kamove-28 choppers. These helicopters are useful in anti-submarine warfare.

In March, India also signed a US $3 Billion deal with Russia to lease an Akula-1 class nuclear-powered submarine. The contract for the Akula-1 class submarine included refurbishment of the submarine as well as sustenance and spares support for 10 years, as well as training and technical infrastructure. The nuclear-powered class of submarines, known in Russia as Shchuka-B is a conventional submarine armed with cruise missiles as well as torpedoes, anti-aircraft missiles and mines.

Last month, the United States had also approved the sale of 24 submarine-hunting MH-60R Seahawk Multi-Mission helicopters to India in a $2.6 billion deal aimed at strengthening their strategic relationship, according to the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). The DSCA had said that it received the approval from the State Department for the sale and it has notified the Congress about it.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 03, 2019 06:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).