The Defence Ministry on Thursday gave final approval for the procurement of simulated training solutions for the Navy’s P-8I long range maritime patrol aircraft and electronic warfare systems for the Army at a combined cost of ₹2419.32 crore.

Helpful in training

“The P-8I training solution, along with 10 year comprehensive maintenance service, will be brought from Boeing for ₹1949.32 crore. This training solution accurately simulates P-8I aircraft and mission systems,” Defence Ministry said in a statement.

This will help Indian Navy train and realistically rehearse for sophisticated missions involving P-8I aircraft, at a fraction of the cost of live aircraft training, the statement said.

The deal was cleared in the past by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC).

The final approval has now been given by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The next step is to conclude the final contract with the vendor.

In operation

The Navy currently operates eight P-8Is out of INS Rajali in Chennai inducted since 2013.

Four more aircraft have been ordered last year under the optional clause and are scheduled to be delivered from 2020.

The second proposal was for the procurement of Low Intensity Conflict Electronic Warfare System (LICEWS) for the Army.

These will be procured from Bharat Electronics Limited for ₹470 crore.

This system will equip the Army with upgraded communications infrastructure that will help the forces to efectively deal with the advanced communications systems being used by terrorist groups, the statement added.