India to buy Barak missiles from Israel, precision bombs from Russia

Defence minister Nirmala Sitaraman on Tuesday cleared proposals for buying Barak missiles from Israel and precision-guided bombs from Russia for a total of Rs1,714 crore.

India will buy 131 surface-to-air Barak missiles and associated equipment from Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd of Israel for Rs460 crore, a defence ministry statement said, adding these are designed to be used as a ship-borne anti-missile defence system.

Under the second proposal cleared by the defence ministry, 240 precision-guided bombs will be procured from JSC Rosonboron Exports of Russia at a cost of Rs1,254 crore. These bombs are for use by Indian Air Force (IAF).

The KAB-1500 laser-guided bombs are being procured for Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets.

''This procurement will address the deficiency of precision guided munitions in the IAF arsenal, besides enhancing the offensive capabilities of the IAF,'' the ministry said.

In October, the defence acquisition council (DAC), chaired by Sitharaman, had approved buying 111 utility helicopters for the Indian Navy under the strategic partnership model. More such clearances are expected this year under this new model.

Under the strategic partnership model, the government will select Indian companies to join forces with foreign firms to manufacture fighter jets, helicopters, armoured vehicles and submarines locally. Already, major Indian groups like Larsen and Toubro Ltd, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd, Tata Group and the Adani Group have formed or are in the process of forming alliances with foreign technology providers under the government's make in India' policy.

The weapons will enhance the capabilities of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy, the government said.

''The procurement of bombs will address the deficiency of Precision Guided Munitions in the Indian Air Force arsenal, besides enhancing the offensive capabilities of the IAF,'' the ministry said. The surface-to-air Barak missiles for the Indian Navy will be used as a ship-borne anti-missile defence system against anti-ship missiles.

In May 2016, the Cabinet had approved the strategic partnership model to allow domestic private companies to form joint ventures with foreign defence equipment manufacturers.