Question: Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to satate :-

(a) whether Government is working on any plan of modernization of the Army (infantry);

(b) whether Government also proposes to increase the combat capacity and mobility of the infantry;

(c) if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the details of allotted funds for this purpose by Government?

Answer: Minister of Defence (Shri A.K. Antony)

(a) to (c): Modernization of Army including Infantry is a continuous process, based on threat perception, operational necessity, technological changes and available resources. Combat capacity and mobility of Infantry is being upgraded as per the Long Term Perspective Plan (LTPP).

30 Infantry Battalions are proposed to be raised in the Thirteenth 5 year Plan towards enhancing combat capacity.

Mobility of Infantry is proposed to be enhanced through introduction of superior vehicles with better cross country mobility.

(d) The budgetary allocation for capital acquisition for modernization of Army during Financial Year 2012-2013 is Rs.13724.14 crore.

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