New Delhi: On Thursday, Defence Acquisition Council chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman cleared Rs 40,000 crore project to build six submarines under Project 75(I). The ministry also cleared another project to acquire 5,000 Milan 2T anti-tank guided missiles for the Army. This is the second project under MOD's ambitious Strategic Partnership Model aimed at boosting the Centre’s ambitious 'Make in India' program. While making the announcement Defence spokesperson tweeted that construction of six submarines under Project 75(I) will provide a major boost to submarine design and manufacturing ecosystem in India through a transfer of design, equipment technology and skill sets.
What is Project 75(I)?
In the Indian Ocean region, The People's Liberation Army Navy’s increasing movement is a big concern for the India Navy which forced the Narendra Modi-led NDA government to fast-track the process after it came to power in 2014. Under Project 75(I), the Indian Navy plans to acquire six diesel-electric submarines powered with advanced Air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems which will enable them to stay flooded for a longer period of time and will also increase their operational range.
The submarines will have a vertical launch system (VLS) which will enable them to carry multiple Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles which means that it will be fully capable of launching anti-surface and anti-ship warfare missions. Apart from Brahmos, submarines will also be armed with torpedoes and will feature advanced stealth capabilities.
What is Milan 2T ATGMs ?
Milan 2T is a second generation Anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) meant for the Indian infantry to destroy Main battle tanks (MBT) which are fitted with Explosive Reactive Armour. It can also target moving and stationary targets.
also read Defence ministry clears Rs 40,000 crore project to build six submarines
