DAC accords AON of 111 Naval Utility Helicopters

In a landmark decision, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Tuesday accorded the Acceptance of Necessity (AON) of 111 Naval Utility Helicopters under a Strategic Partnership Model.

The DAC was chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Delhi.

The project is estimated to be of Rs 21738 crore under which 16 helicopters will be procured in Fly Away state from the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and the rest 95 will be made by the Indian Strategic Partner.

The DAC has also approved AON for nine Active Towed Array Sonar Systems (Advance) for the Indian Navy which will cost Rs 450 crore.

The Towed Array Sonar Systems (Advanced) will be fitted on the modern navy vessels which will enhance submarine detection capabilities in them.

In addition the above AONs, other ongoing projects were discussed.

This decision by DAC is expected to give a major fillip to the Indian industry under the Make in India projects.