Question : Self Sufficiency in Arms and Ammunitions

(a) whether the ordnance depot of the country has sufficient arms and ammunitions despite the recent incident of fire at depot in Pulgaon;

(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the ordnance depot of the country has arms and ammunitions to fight for less than twenty days at present and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government has conducted review regarding maintenance of all arms and ammunitions in all ordnance depots and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps being taken by the Government to meet the shortage of arms and ammunition?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR)

(a) to (c): Despite the recent fire incident at Central Ammunition Depot in Pulgaon (Maharashtra), adequate arms and ammunition stocks are available to face any adverse eventuality. However, disclosure of details of holding of arms and ammunition will not be in the interest of the security of the country.

(d) The review of the maintenance of arms and ammunition is a regular process which covers the complete inventory.

(e) The acquisition of arms and ammunition for Indian Army is carried out as per Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP), Service Capital Acquisition Plan (SCAP) and Annual Acquisition Plan (AAP). The Government reviews the issue of shortages regularly and action is taken to build up stocks to authorized levels.
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