Navy to scrap plans to procure guns from US, considering ‘Make in India’ route now

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New Delhi: The Indian Navy is set to junk the proposed acquisition of 13 MK-45 anti-surface and anti-air gun systems from the US for its 11 under-construction frigates and destroyers, ThePrint has learnt.

Sources in the defence establishment said the Navy is looking at a larger Make in India initiative for the 127 millimetre (mm) gun systems rather than opting for the deal with the US, which was cleared by the Donald Trump administration in 2019.

The cost factor was the primary reason behind junking the deal that was to be made under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route, sources said, adding that the 127 mm guns — 13 in number — would have cost India about $1 billion.

“The cost is very high. More than the gun itself, the specialised ammunition is more expensive. The Navy will use the existing 76…