Question : Acquisition of Weapons

(a) whether cumbersome defence procurement procedure for acquisition of weapons and weapon systems has created critical operational gaps on several fronts in the Armed Forces and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Armed Forces have war wastage reserves for intense fighting and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether no 155 mm gun has been inducted in the Armed Forces since mid 1980s and if so, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the Indian Navy is grappling with the prospect of commissioning new Scorpene submarines without torpedoes, frontline warships, without multi-role helicopters and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the corrective measures taken by the Government to resolve the issue of acquiring new weapons and weapon systems?

MINISTER OF STATE (DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
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(a) to (e): Procurement of defence weapons and equipment is an ongoing process in which Government acquires equipment and technologies keeping in view, inter alia, the security situation, the equipping requirements of the Armed Forces, technology advances and available budgetary resources.

During the last two financial years, 108 contracts with a total value of Rs.112736.81 Crore have been signed for capital procurement of defence equipment including Ships, Missiles, Frigates, Rockets, Simulators, Aircrafts, Helicopters and Radars. In addition, in the last two financial years, the Defence Acquisition Council has accorded ‘Acceptance of Necessity’ (AoN) for 114 cases with a total value of Rs.2,25,022 Crore. These include AoNs for 155mm Gun systems, Helicopters, and Warships.

To cater to the equipping requirements of the Armed Forces, the Defence Procurement Procedure 2016 has been promulgated with effect from 01.04.2016, which has specific provisions to facilitate swift decision making, promote self reliance and improve transparency and accountability in procurements.

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