Govt gives nod to new aircraft carrier, BrahMos missiles for six ships

New Delhi: The government on Wednesday gave its nod to building a second indigenous aircraft carrier, defence ministry sources said.

In a meeting of Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Rs.30 crore was allotted for the preparations for the carrier.

The DAC also gave nod to arming India`s three Delhi-class destroyers, and three Talwar class frigates with BrahMos supersonic missiles at a cost of Rs.27 billion.

It also approved replacement of Indian Air Force`s ageing fleet of 56 Avro aircraft with airbus C-295.

An amount of Rs.119.29 billion was allotted for this purpose, where 16 C-295 planes will be purchased in fly away condition, while 40 will be made in India.

It also approved buying 145 M777 light guns from US under foreign sales for Rs.29 billion.

The government also approved Russian proposal for manufacturing Kamov Ka-226T light helicopters in India. A total of 197 helicopters will be built.