New Delhi: The Indian Navy will get medium calibre anti-missile and anti-aircraft point defence weapon system for its vessels, it was announced November 28.

The equipment and accessories are worth Rs 2,956.89 crore, a Defence Ministry statement said. According to it, the weapon system is capable of multiple engagements in multi-threat scenarios and has a proven record of very good performance against missiles and highly manoeuvrable fast attack crafts.

The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), Haridwar, for procurement of 16 Upgraded Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) along with associated equipment and accessories for the Indian Navy under Buy (Indian) category at a total cost of Rs 2,956.89 crore.

The upgraded SRGM, which will be manufactured by BHEL at its Haridwar plant, is a medium calibre anti-missile and anti-aircraft point defence weapon system which provides a sustained rate of fire and high accuracy, officials added. Upgraded SRGMs will be installed onboard Indian Navy’s in-service and new-built ships by Mazagaon Dock and Shipbuilders Ltd., Mumbai, and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata, an official said.

The Defence Ministry said that the project will generate an employment of two and half lakh man-days over a period of five years and encourage active participation of various Indian industries including MSMEs, thus contributing to the government’s efforts to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence.