India has signed a 200 crore deal with Russia for the
procurement of anti-tank missiles for Mi-35 attack helicopters. This deal has
been signed under the emergency provisions given to the defence forces post
Pulwama attack.
The anti-tank missile will be added to the fleet of Mi-35 attack
choppers of Indian Air Force (IAF). This deal comes in wake of an IAF’s
attempt to keep itself battle-ready in situations like post-Balakot aerial strikes.
The Strum Ataka anti-tank missile would
give an added capability to Mi-35 attack choppers of
IAF to take out enemy tanks and other armoured elements.
Mi-35s are set to be replaced with Apache
gunships being acquired from United States (US) and
slated to be delivered from August onwards.
About Emergency clause:
After 14 February Pulwama
terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed,
emergency powers were given to Indian Defence forces and India started
increasing vigil at borders with Pakistan. Under, emergency powers given to
three services, they can procure equipment of their choice within 3 month at a
cost of about Rs.300 crore per case.
IAF has emerged as front runner in terms of
weapon acquisition under emergency procurement, followed by Indian Army. Under
emergency provisions IAF has acquired also acquired Spice-2000 stand-off weapon
system along with a number of spare and air to air mission.
