Move to procure six more P-8I submarine hunters before DAC this week, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• India is planning to procure six additional Boeing P-8I aircraft from the United States through an inter-governmental agreement.
• The Defence Procurement Board (DPB) cleared the procurement on January 16.
• The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is expected to clear the procurement on February 12.
• The procurement will be made under Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, eliminating offset obligations.

Detailed Insights:

• The P-8I aircraft are Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Anti-Submarine Warfare (LRMR ASW) aircraft, enhancing India's maritime capabilities.
• The decision to procure P-8Is may have contributed to a breakthrough in trade talks between India and the United States.
• The removal of the offset clause in Inter-Governmental Agreements, as per the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, means no technology transfer or co-production is involved.
• After DAC clearance, the proposal will go to the Cabinet Committee on Security, and the final deal will be signed after cost negotiations.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Defence Procurement Board (DPB): A body responsible for clearing defense procurements.
• Defence Acquisition Council (DAC): The council that approves defense procurements.
• Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020: Document governing capital military procurements, streamlining the process.