Question : Availability of Arms

(a) the details of types of arms and their number available with the army at present;

(b) whether the army does not have ammunition reserve to last for more than 10 days in the situation of war and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(c) the details of the progress in manufacturing arms and ammunition under Make in India programme;

(d) whether Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with various countries for import of latest technology in arms and ammunition and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the other steps taken / being taken by the Government to overcome the shortage?

MINISTER OF STATE (DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
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(a) & (b): Armament systems in Indian Army are categorized as Small Arms, Mortars, Field Guns, Medium Guns, Howitzers, Armoured Platform based Armament, Missiles and other long range vectors. These categories are based on parameters such as calibre, range desired / achieved etc. The authorization and holding of arms and ammunition is as per the operational requirement of the Indian Army. Adequate reserves have been authorized

to cater for contingencies. There are adequate stocks of arms and ammunition with the Indian Army and it is well equipped for meeting any operational requirement.
(c) The Government has approved a proposal for manufacturing of ammunition for Indian Army by Indian Industry. Request For Proposal (RFP) under Open Tender Enquiry for the said proposal has been issued on 25th & 27th March 2017.
(d) While no formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for transfer of latest technology in arms and ammunition have been signed with any country, the issue of access to modern defence technologies is an important aspect of our defence cooperation with foreign countries.
(e) Making up of stocks of arms and ammunition to desired level is a continuous process, the requirements for which are identified every year and procurements are undertaken accordingly. Some of the measures to ensure adequate availability of ammunition include placing of a Five-Year Roll on Indent on OFB, finalization of Ammunition Road Map in respect of certain identified ammunition and procurements thereof. Further, financial power has been delegated to the Army to meet any emergent requirement and to enable them to maintain military preparedness at all times.
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