According to a report on the website of the US Defense News Weekly on December 24, Indian arms buyers approved a budget of 843.28 billion rupees (about 10.18 billion US dollars) on the 22nd to purchase major weapons and platforms, most of which will be used domestically to support domestic defense manufacturing. The Indian Ministry of Defense said in a statement that the National Defense Procurement Commission supported the so-called program of accepting necessities, of which about 97.4% of the funds will be used to purchase local materials. According to government regulations, such proposals are the first stage of the purchase of weapons. The Ministry of National Defense said: "This unprecedented plan will not only modernize the armed forces, but also greatly promote the development of the defense industry to achieve the goal of the 'self-sufficient India' plan." The government is expected to issue a new bidding plan, then select the bidder, conduct field tests on prototype machines and existing systems, and finally sign a contract. The new weapons will enter service after 2030. According to the Ministry of Defense, India is purchasing light tanks, vehicle mounted artillery systems and ballistic helmets for the infantry force and the so-called future infantry fighting vehicles according to the latest budget. The Indian Army estimates that it will require a total of 1750 future infantry fighting vehicles, 350 light tanks and about 800 vehicle mounted artillery systems. No local company in India has ever manufactured tanks, future infantry fighting vehicles, or 155 mm/52 times caliber vehicle mounted artillery systems that fully use proprietary technology. The Indian Air Force is seeking a new generation of air to ground anti radiation missiles, long-range guided bombs, extended range kits for conventional bombs and advanced surveillance systems. (Outlook New Times)