(a) whether the Government, keeping in view the current scenario, proposes to provide latest technology to the Armed Forces;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has allocated funds for modernisation and upgradation of Armed Forces;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the details of funds utilised and the extent to which modernisation of Armed Forces have taken place?
MINISTER OF STATE (SHRI SHRIPAD NAIK)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
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(a) to (e): Government is taking measures for modernization of the Armed Forces, through procurement of new equipment and upgrading of existing equipment so as to ensure that the Armed Forces are equipped to meet the entire spectrum of security challenges. The modernization projects are progressed as per the approved Capital Acquisition Plans and in terms of the extant Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP).
Capital procurement of defence equipment is undertaken from various domestic as well as foreign vendors, based on threat perception, operational challenges and technological changes and to keep the Armed Forces in a state of readiness.
During the last three years and in the current year, 197 contracts have been signed for capital procurement/upgradation of defence equipment for Armed Forces such as Missiles, Aircraft, Artillery guns, Assault Rifles, Radars, Rockets, Helicopters, Weapons, Simulators, Ballistic Helmets, Bullet Proof Jackets and Electronic Fuzes and Ammunition.
The Budget Allocation and Expenditure under Capital Budget Head under Defence Services Estimates are given below:-
(Rs. in Crore)
Year Budget Estimates Expenditure
2017-18 86488.01 90438.39
2018-19 93982.13 95229.06
2019-20 (upto January, 2020) 1,03,394.31 91862.97
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