CCS gives nod to acquire 2 AWACS from Israel

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has cleared a proposal to purchase two Phalcon Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS), surveillance aircrafts from Israel.
Decision to this effect was taken by CCS meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. This defence deal will cost India 7,500 crore rupees as per a tripartite agreement signed with Israel and Russia.
Significance of this deal: CCS’s approval comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Israel later in the 2016. This visit will make him first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel and it will give major boost to Indo-Israel ties.
AWACS: They are advanced radars mounted on an aircraft to give an ability to see deep inside enemy territory and 360 degree coverage to detect incoming aircraft and missiles at long ranges. The Indian Air Force (IAF) already had three such AWACS platforms that comprise of Israeli-made radars mounted on Russian heavy transport planes IL-76.
The CCS also approved a proposal for induction of the 4th regiment of supersonic cruise missile Brahmos and 2 more of Pinaka rocket launchers in the India Army.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2016