(a) whether majority of arms and equipment of all the three Services of armed forces have outlived their service period;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the steps taken by the Government for modernization of the armed forces; and
(d) the steps taken for indigenization of arms and equipment for the forces?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a) to (c): No, Madam. Replacement of ageing and obsolete arms and equipment is part of modernization of the Armed Forces which is a continuous process based on threat perception, operational challenges, technological changes and available resources. The process is based on a 15 year Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP), five year Services Capital Acquisition Plan (SCAP) and Annual Acquisition Plan (AAP). Procurement of required equipment and weapon systems is carried out as per the AAP in accordance with the Defence Procurement Procedure.
(d) With a view to achieve greater self-reliance in Defence production, Government has announced a Defence Production Policy in January, 2011. The ‘Make’ procedure was promulgated in 2006 to encourage indigenous development. Besides, the Government has included a new categorization ‘Buy & Make (Indian)’ in the Defence Procurement Procedure in November, 2009 to encourage indigenous production in the country.