Defence Ministry Finalizes Rs 697 Crore Contracts for Indigenous Trucks to Strengthen Armed Forces
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Synopsis
The Ministry of Defence has secured contracts for 1,868 RTFLT trucks for the Indian military, totaling Rs 697.35 crore. This move enhances domestic manufacturing capabilities and supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Key Takeaways
- Contracts for 1,868 RTFLT trucks signed.
- Investment of Rs 697.35 crore for armed forces.
- Enhances logistics efficiency and minimizes manual handling.
- Supports MSME sector and employment generation.
- Promotes indigenous defence production under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
New Delhi, Feb 20 (NationPress) The Ministry of Defence has finalized agreements for the acquisition of 1,868 Rough Terrain Fork Lift Trucks (RTFLT) at a total expenditure of Rs 697.35 crore for the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy.
RTFLT serves as a vital asset that will aid in a variety of combat and logistics support operations by minimizing manual labor in handling large volumes of supplies, thereby improving the operational efficiency of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy.
The “Buy Indian” initiative will bolster domestic defence equipment manufacturing capabilities.
This initiative holds significant promise for creating both direct and indirect employment opportunities by promoting the MSME sector through component manufacturing.
The acquisition represents a crucial advancement in modernizing India’s defence framework and empowering local industries, which will proudly embody the spirit of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', as stated by the Defence Ministry.
The government’s strategy to enhance defence production as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative is increasingly evident in the growing order books of the nation’s defence equipment manufacturing firms, underscoring a positive forecast for the sector.
Defence-sector public sector units such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which primarily serves the Indian Air Force, are also set for a significant technological upgrade as India and the US prepare to finalize an agreement for the production of advanced GE engines for military aircraft at HAL's facilities.
Fueled by strategic governmental policies, India's defence production has surged to an unprecedented Rs 1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24. This marks a staggering increase of approximately 174 percent compared to Rs 46,429 crore in 2014-15, according to official reports.
Historically, India has been heavily dependent on foreign nations for its defence requirements, with roughly 65-70 percent of defence equipment being imported. However, this scenario has significantly transformed, with about 65 percent of defence equipment now being produced domestically.
