Defence purchases worth Rs 4600 cleared; 6 Apache helicopters for Navy

New Delhi: India will buy six more Apache fighter helicopters from the US to give more teeth to its Navy along with the Air Force. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) presided over by Defence Minister Arun jaitley here today Purchases worth Rs 4600 crore were approved at the meeting, according to defence sources. The six fighter helicopters will cost Rs 4168 crore rupees.

The cost of Apaches includes associated equipment, spares, training, weapons and ammunitions. India had last year concluded a deal with the US’s Boeing Company for the purchase of 22 AAH-64 helicopters. The purchase of six helicopters had been sanctioned as against a demand for nine put up by the Navy. These helicopters are laced with deadly missiles and ultra modern radar system. The DAC also approved acquisition of two gas turbine engines for small warships of the Navy which will cost Rs 490 crore. These turbines will come from Ukrain. (UNI)