The defence ministry is expected to take up a few major projects, including the proposal of the Indian Army to replace T-72 tanks with Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) and the building of seven advanced frigates for the Navy. According to media reports, a meeting in this regard, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is set to take place on Tuesday.
Indian Navy plans to acquire the warships under Project 17 Bravo—an ambitious plan to enhance its maritime capabilities through the construction of seven advanced stealth frigates, as part of the broader defense modernisation attempts. The frigates under this project are designed to be the most advanced stealth vessels ever constructed in the country following the ongoing construction of the Nilgiri-class frigates (Project 17A) which are currently being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers.
READ MORE: India aims to increase its defence exports to Rs 50,000 crore by 2029
News agency ANI reported that according to sources, the Defence Acquisition Council is likely to approve a tender worth nearly Rs 70,000 in this regard. The tender is expected to be split between the two shipbuilders to expedite the project.
The meeting, to be attended by top brass of the three services, including Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan and three service chiefs, will also discuss replacing T-72 tanks with 1,700 FRCVs, that will have cutting-edge tech, including AI, and drone integration, and enhanced situational awareness.
ALSO READ: Indian defence company CEO challenges govt decision to reorder SIG Sauer rifles from US
The project will be executed under the 'Make-1' category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure, which mandates that at least 50 per cent of the components be produced in India.
