Indian army to decrease purchase of expensive hardware due to lack of funds

The Indian armed forces have proposed cutting down on the purchase of expensive military items and spares for vintage weapon systems after identifying stock shortages for critical ammunition, spares and missiles, India Today reported.

The Indian military revealed that a shortage of 15 to 20 per cent exists in the stocks of critical war material.

Rocket launchers and anti-tank weapons are some of the expensive weapon systems that the Indian army might have to sacrifice in order to maintain existing reserves of critical stocks, according to the Indian publication.

Officials from the Indian defence ministry informed India Today that the proposal put forth by high-ranking military officials will come under discussion at the ongoing Army Commanders Conference, which is expected to take a final decision about the measures.

The Indian publication also revealed that even if there is a decrease in the purchase of expensive military hardware, the compensation will be unlikely to effect reserves of critical ammunition.

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Estimates suggested that the cost-cutting measure will save the Indian Army between INR600 crore and INR800 crore over the next three years, but the 'desperate measures' will still not be able to cover the shortfall in ammunition.

The estimates might force the top military brass to ask the Indian government for additional funds, sources told India Today. Reports indicated that the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force have been mandated to be always ready for a 40-day-war, and should be equipped accordingly.

New considerations have forced New Delhi to put aside these instructions and equip the Indian forces with enough ammunition to fight a short, intense 10-day war.

The items that the Indian Army has identified to be expensive include heavy multiple rocket launchers that are used to destroy artillery batteries, command posts of the enemy, anti-tank weapons and specialised mines used in battlefields.