Government fast tracks acquisition process of armed forces

NEW DELHI: Putting the acquisition process of the armed forces on fast track, government has cleared a 15-year Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP), five-year Services Capital Acquisition Plan and Annual Acquisition Plan for them.

In a written reply to a question on modernisation of armed forces, Defence Minister A K Antony said, "The LTIPP 2012-2027 for the Armed Forces has been finalised and duly approved by the Defence Acquisition Council on April 2. The five year Defence Plan has also been formulated."

He said, "The allocation for capital outlay of Defence Services under Budgetary Estimates during 2011-12 was Rs 69,198.81 crore. This was revised to Rs 66,143.81 crore by Finance Ministry at Revised Estimates 2011-12 stage."

The accounts for financial year 2011-12 are not yet finalised. However, the total allocation of Rs 66,143.81 crore is expected to be fully utilised, the Defence Minister said.

On preparedness along the border, Antony said government is closely watching all activities in the border area and reviews the threat perception regularly.

"Government has identified strategically important border roads for development along the India-China Border. As per a long term perspective plan, other roads and strategic railway lines have been identified for development along India-China and India-Pakistan borders," he said.

On availability of ammunition, Antony said any shortage is duly addressed by the government.

"Shortage of weapons/ammunition, as and when reported, is adequately addressed through indigenous production and import," he said.

On procurement and upgradation of artillery guns, Antony said, "The Artillery equipment procured/upgraded in the past two decades includes Pinaka Rocket System, Smerch Rocket System, BrahMos Missile System and Upgradation of 130mm gun to 155mm/45 calibre."