Indian Defence Ministry

India has signed a USD 1.029 billion (or INR 5,000 crore) deal with the US for acquiring 145 M777 ultra-light howitzers.

The Indian Defence Ministry confirmed the news, saying in a statement that it was the first major deal signed by New Delhi for artillery guns since the Bofors scandal in 1980s. According to the statement, India will deploy the howitzers near its borders with China.

Just a month after signing a government-to-government deal with France's Dassault Aviation for acquiring 36 Rafale fighter jets, India has hinted that it will purchase 200-300 more fighters, if foreign companies agree to manufacture those aircraft under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' programme.

India and Japan are all set to strike the first-ever defence deal, as the two countries have resolved US-2 aircraft price issue.

Photo: John L. Beeman

India recently signed "white shipping" agreements with different countries for reciprocal exchange of information on merchant vessels in an attempt to bolster its Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).

India's offensive capacity has received a big boost as Russia has agreed to help New Delhi develop a new generation of 'Brahmos' missiles with 600km-plus striking range. The Indian Defence Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that the new generation missiles could easily hit protected targets with pinpoint accuracy.

Illustration

India has quietly completed its nuclear triad by inducting its first indigenously constructed nuclear submarine 'INS Arihant' into service.

After long dilly-dallying, India signed a contract with France on Friday for acquiring 36 Rafale fighter jets. Under the agreement, French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation SA is likely to deliver those fighter jets between 36 and 66 months from the date (September 23) the contract is signed in New Delhi.

The lifting of nuclear-related sanctions on Iran by the US and other Western powers has opened up new horizons for India. For the last few months, India has been trying hard to boost its ties with Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other countries in West Asia in an attempt to stamp its authority in the Indian Ocean (which currently bears only its name).

Finally, India has struck a deal with France to acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets.