(a) whether the United States of America (USA), as of now, is the top supplier of defence components and materials to the Indian Armed Forces;
(b) if so, the amount spent on procurement of defence weapons from USA during the last two years;
(c) whether the Hercules Aircrafts purchased from America in 2011-12 were having alleged illegal Chinese parts supplied by a Chinese company; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and action taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE (DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
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(a) & (b): Procurement of defence equipment is undertaken from various domestic as well as foreign vendors, including those from the USA, based on threat perceptions, operational challenges and technological changes and to keep the Armed Forces in a state of readiness to meet the entire spectrum of security challenges.
During the last two financial years, 6 contracts have been signed with US vendors and the US Government for capital procurement of defence equipment.
(c) No, Madam.
(d) Does not arise.
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