India procuring another 155 mm self-propelled gun, says Parrikar

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said after successful field trials of indigenously developed howitzer Dhanush, India was in final stages of ordering another 155 mm self-propelled gun.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit here, Parrikar also said with testing of 'Pinaka' rocket having capability to cause destruction in 900 sq meter area at a 65 km range would "give a tremendous boost to our armed forces."

Asked about row created by Border Security Force jawan Tej Bahadur Singh about poor quality food being served to the soldiers of paramilitary troops stationed in harsh border regions, he said BSF fell in the purview of the Home Ministry.

However, as for the Army, the Defence Minister said, "In last two years, we have been continuously evaluating if satisfaction levels for food being served have improved or not. I am myself monitoring it."

"The CAG had made certain observations in 2012-13 and we have since been working to improve the system," he added.

--IANS

desai/vd