The move is a bid to strengthen the surveillance of the country’s over 7,500-km-long coastline.

In a bid to further strengthen the surveillance of the country’s over 7,500-km-long coastline, the Defence Ministry on Tuesday gave the nod for the second phase of the static sensor chain.

Phase-II involves setting up 38 additional radars, four mobile surveillance stations and two Vessel Traffic Management Systems at Kutch and Khambat at a cost of approximately Rs. 800 crore.

The project would be executed by Indian companies and the lead integrator would be Bharat Electronics Limited, Bengaluru.

The decision was taken by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar which also received the status of other procurements.

India took up a major project to fill gaps in surveillance of the coastline in the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks in 2008. Under Phase-I, 46 coastal radars had been set up and have been integrated for real-time maritime awareness.

The DAC also gave approval for the setting up of an intermediate engine repair facility for Naval Mig-29K fighter aircraft at Goa.

The Navy currently operates 45 Mig-29K carrier aircraft procured from Russia.