Union Government gives nod to AWACS project
Union Government on 27 Mach 2015 gave its approval to build crore strategic project of next-generation Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS).
Decision in this regard was taken by Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.
DAC gave its nod for two AWACS, which includes buying two Airbus A330s, worth 5,113 crore rupees. Airbus was the lone bidder for the programme.
About Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) Project
- AWACS or eyes in the sky can detect incoming aerial threats like hostile fighters, drones and cruise missiles from 400-km away.
- It has capability to penetrate longer distances within enemy territory by way of radars and electronic warfare systems without venturing into the region physically.
- The project will involve mounting indigenous 360-degree coverage active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars on Airbus A-330 wide-body jets.
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will develop the AWACSs.
Apart from this, DAC also cleared the purchase of mine ploughs for T-90 tanks at Rs 710 crore and 30 weapon locating radars at Rs 1,605 crore besides others.
Month: Current Affairs - March, 2015