The Ministry of Defence has cleared a 12,000-crore rupee proposal of the Indian Army to procure new generation air defence missiles to replace its ageing Russian systems. It has also cleared the purchase of an additional 14 Dornier aircraft for the transport wing of the Indian Air Force at a cost of over 1,000 crore rupee.

The additional Dornier transport aircraft will boost its fleet level up from the current 41. The aircraft used in light transport or personnel carrier roles – will be procured from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The Defence Acquisition Council also approved the procurement of eight regiments of Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missiles to replace the Russian Kvadrat systems that have become obsolete. The Army will float a global tender to purchase the systems.