Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. (Source: PTI) Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. (Source: PTI)

Ahead of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s three-day Russia visit, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared two projects for the upgradation of engines and avionics of IL-76 and IL-78 aircraft from Russia for Rs 4,300 crore. Parrikar leaves on Friday.

Meanwhile, the DAC also cleared projects worth around Rs 12,000 crore.

The two countries are also likely to discuss the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) deal besides leasing of the second nuclear submarine to India. Parrikar will visit Moscow and St Petersburg and discuss defence cooperation between the two nations. He will also visit Admiralty Shipyard, one of the oldest and largest shipyards.

After Russia, Parrikar will head to Malaysia, where he will meet defence ministers of ASEAN countries at the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meet (ADMM+). “The meetings assume importance as ADMM + involves the United States, Japan and China,” a defence ministry official said.

Also clearing projects worth Rs 12,000 crore, the DAC passed a proposal worth Rs 1,400 crore to procure multi-purpose vessels which are required to carry out multiple tasks such as recovery and placement of targets. These will replace the existing tugs.

In a significant development, the council also cleared deep-sea submarine rescue vessels which are required for the recovery of submarines or personnel on board a submarine in case of an accident. So far India does not have a submarine rescue vessel and has been depending on the US for help.

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