[Helloheshess]

Additional purchase 262 missiles for Israeli Barak-I anti-missile defence (AMD) systems deployed on on 14 frontline warships of Indian Navy for a cost of more than $140 Million are stalled due to a CBI probe in the earlier deal. Barak-I systems act as "close-in point defence systems'' for warships to intercept incoming sea-skimming missiles with "pin-point accuracy'' at a 9-km range.

The BJP led NDA had inked the initial Rs 1,160 crore deal for nine Barak-I AMD systems, along with 200 missiles worth Rs 350 crore, from Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Rafael in October 2000. It was considered necessary to counter Pakistan's acquisition of sea-skimming Exocet and Harpoon missiles after the indigenous Trishul AMD system failed to become operational.

However, UPA-I government in an apparent witch hunt, in October 2006 registered a CBI case for alleged Barak kickbacks and name former defence minister George Fernandes, his party associates Jaya Jaitely and RK Jain, alleged arms dealer Suresh Nanda and former Navy chief Admiral Sushil Kumar among the accused.

After 6 yers, CBI is still not abe to produce evidence.