India Bolsters Maritime Surveillance Capabilities with Airbus Deal

India Bolsters Maritime Surveillance Capabilities with Airbus Deal

VoM News Desk | February 17, 2024 | 12:52 PM IST | Security | Follow on Google News

India Bolsters Maritime Surveillance Capabilities with Airbus Deal

India Bolsters Maritime Surveillance Capabilities with Airbus Deal

India has greenlit the acquisition of over a dozen maritime surveillance aircraft from Airbus SE, marking a significant move to enhance its capabilities in the increasingly unsettled Indian Ocean region. The Defense Ministry revealed that the procurement decision, valued at approximately 290 billion rupees ($3.5 billion), was made by an acquisition council led by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. The acquisition includes medium-range, multi-mission maritime reconnaissance aircraft aimed at enhancing the surveillance and interdiction capabilities of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard across the vast maritime area.

Distribution of Aircraft and Collaboration

Out of the ordered aircraft, nine will be allocated to India’s navy, while the remaining six will be designated for the coast guard. Notably, four of the C-295 planes will be manufactured in Airbus’ European facilities to ensure expedited availability. The remaining aircraft will be produced in India through the joint venture between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems. This collaborative effort is part of India’s broader strategy to strengthen its defense capabilities and promote domestic production in partnership with established global players.

Customized Maritime Versions for Enhanced Operations

The selected C-295 aircraft, initially chosen by the Indian Air Force for its transport fleet replacement in 2021, will now undergo customization for anti-submarine and surface warfare. Equipped with a sensor and weapons suite developed by India’s Defense Research & Development Organization, these maritime versions are poised to significantly augment India’s operational effectiveness in the Indian Ocean region. This acquisition aligns with India’s commitment to modernizing its defense forces and securing its strategic interests in the maritime domain.

VoM News Desk

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