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Navy to get 111 utility helicopters worth Rs 21,000 crore, also 24 multi-role choppers (Lead)
New Delhi, Aug 25 (IANS) The government on Saturday approved procurement of 111 utility helicopters for the Indian Navy at a cost of over Rs 21,000 crore in a significant decision under the Strategic Partnership (SP) model that seeks to boost the �Make in India’ programme.
The decision was taken at the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting headed by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The DAC cleared procurement proposals worth about Rs 46,000 crore including anti-submarine capable 24 Multi Role Helicopters (MRH), 14 Vertically Launched Short Range Missile System and 155 mm advanced towed artillery gun system.
“The DAC, in a landmark decision today, approved procurement of 111 Utility Helicopters for the Indian Navy at a cost of over Rs 21,000 crore. This is the first project under the MoD’s prestigious Strategic Partnership model that aims at providing significant fillip to the government’s �Make in India’ programme,” an official release said.
The SP model envisages indigenous manufacturing of major defence platforms by an Indian Strategic Partner, who will collaborate with foreign original equipment manufacturer, acquire niche technologies and set up production facilities in the country.
The SP model has a long-term vision of promoting India as a manufacturing hub for defence equipment, enhancing self-sufficiency and establishing an industrial and research and development (R&D) ecosystem, capable of meeting the future requirements of the armed forces.
The contract, when finalised, is expected to result in a widespread defence industrial eco-system in the Indian aviation sector with the private industry and MSMEs as major stakeholders.
While 16 helicopters are expected to be procured in a fly-away condition from a foreign vendor, the remaining 95 would be built in India by an Indian partner through joint ventures. The utility helicopters are expected to replace the aging fleet of Chetak helicopters.
Those expected to compete for the Naval Utility Helicopter programme include firms from the US, Europe and Russia. The utility helicopter programme is expected to pave the way for several big-ticket projects, including for building modern submarines, fighter planes and helicopters in the country.
The government has identified four segments for acquisition under Strategic Partnership route – fighter aircraft, helicopters, submarines and armoured fighting vehicles and main battle tanks.
The DAC also approved procurement of anti-submarine capable 24 Multi Role Helicopters, which are an integral part of the frontline warships like aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates and corvettes.
The MRH would contribute to the Navy’s anti-submarine, anti-ship warfare and airborne early-warning capabilities.
“Availability of MRH with the Navy would plug the existing capability gap,” the release said.
The DAC cleared procurement of 150 indigenously designed and developed 155 mm advanced towed artillery gun systems for the Indian Army at an approximate cost of Rs 3,364.78 crore.
These guns have been indigenously designed and developed by DRDO and will be manufactured by production agencies nominated by DRDO. They are likely to be the mainstay of artillery in the near future.
Of the 14 Vertically Launched Short Range Missile Systems cleared for procurement by the DAC, 10 systems will be indigenously developed.
These systems will boost the self-defence capability of ships against anti-ship missiles.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.
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