By Admin 
Immediately after the trade deal, India has announced the purchase of 06 anti-submarine P-8I reconnaissance aircraft from America. The Defense Ministry on Thursday approved the purchase of these Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Surveillance Aircraft for the Indian Navy.
Approval to purchase these P-8I aircraft (Acceptance of Necessity or AON) was given in an important meeting of the Defense (Acquisition) Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. These planes, known as Hunter, are manufactured by America’s Boeing Company.
Navy using P-8I aircraft in the Indian Ocean
The Indian Navy has been using these P-8I aircraft in the Indian Ocean for the last decade. Along with keeping a close eye on the submarines of China and Pakistan, these P-8I aircraft play an important role in monitoring the vast sea area of the Indian Ocean. In the year 2009, India had purchased 08 aircraft under direct agreement from America. Subsequently, four (04) additional aircraft were purchased in the year 2019.
Where are P-8I aircraft deployed?
According to the Defense Ministry, the acquisition of P-8I aircraft will significantly enhance the Navy’s long-range anti-submarine warfare capability, maritime surveillance and maritime strike capability. The Indian Navy has deployed these P-8I aircraft at Razali in Tamil Nadu and INS Hans Naval Base in Goa. The entire Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are monitored from here.
P-8I aircraft destroys enemy submarines present in the sea
The special thing is that the P-8I aircraft, flying at an altitude of 40 thousand feet, detects enemy submarines several hundred feet deep under the sea. Apart from this, if needed, it can also destroy enemy submarines. Because along with advanced surveillance avionics, these aircraft are also equipped with torpedoes, anti-ship missiles (Harpoon) and cruise missiles.
What is the range of P-8I aircraft?
Along with anti-submarine warfare, the Indian Navy has used these P-8I aircraft in search and rescue operations at sea. Because this aircraft can remain in the sky for a long time and carry out missions. The range of these aircraft is more than eight thousand (8000) kilometers. The Indian Navy has even used these aircraft in anti-piracy missions in the Arabian Sea. This is the reason why the Defense Ministry has approved the purchase of 08 additional aircraft for the Navy.
Approval for purchase of anti-tank land mines ‘Vibhav’ also
The DAC on Thursday also approved the procurement of Vibhava (anti-tank mines) for the Indian Army (Army) and the renewal of Armored Recovery Vehicles (ARVs), T-72 tanks and infantry fighting vehicles (BMP-II vehicles). Vibhava mines are laid as an anti-tank obstacle system to prevent the advance of enemy mechanized forces. ARVs, T-72 tanks and BMP-II vehicles. The renewal of the platforms will increase the life-cycle of the equipment to ensure readiness and operational effectiveness of the Indian Army.
Agreement on 08 Dornier aircraft for Indian Coast Guard
In line with the objectives of self-reliant India, the Defense Ministry on Thursday signed an agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the purchase of eight (08) Dornier-228 aircraft. The total value of this agreement is Rs 2312 crore. These indigenous Dornier aircraft are being purchased for the Indian Coast Guard with the intention of strengthening the maritime security structure of the country.