Question : PROCUREMENT OF HOWITZER GUNS

(a) whether the proposed procurement of Ultra Light Howitzer guns is in violation of the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM), 2009;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the number of instances when the violation of DPM has been reported;

(d) whether anecdote and credential of the supplying company and its past dealings have been verified before placing the order for the guns; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)

(a) to (e): A case for procurement of M777A2 Light Weight 155 mm Howitzers through Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route from the Government of United States of America, is in progress. Under the FMS route, the agreement, if any, takes place between the Governments of India and the United States of America.