Centre to mitigate deficiencies in arms and ammunition

Government has taken note of the deficiencies in some of the critical arms and ammunition and steps have been taken to mitigate the shortage, the Lok Sabha was informed today.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, in a written reply, told the Lok Sabha that the government "has taken note of the deficiencies in some of the critical arms and ammunition and has taken steps to mitigate the deficiencies."
Parrikar also said a roadmap for procurement of ammunition has been approved which envisages procurement to build up adequate targeted stocks.
He said the proposal for acquisition of weapons and equipment flow from the defence procurement planning process comprises 15 years long-term integrated perspective plan, five year services capital acquisition plan and annual acquisition plan.

"Mismatches between requirements and availability are continually addressed through procurement from various indigenous as well as foreign vendors," he said.
He also cautioned that disclosing further details in this regard on the floor of the House may "not be in the interest" of national security.

Responding to another written question, he said government has so far issued 222 letters of intent or industrial licences covering 131 companies till October, 2014 for manufacturing a wide range of defence items to public and private companies.
He said 46 licenced companies covering 72 licences have so far reported commencement of production. Parrikar informed that no specific budgetary allocation has been made under 'Make in India' initiative.

The Defence Minister said that the government has accorded priority to buy Indian, buy and make Indian and 'make' categories of defence acquisition over buy global category to promote domestic manufacturing.