Army chief briefs PM on security situation

The Army is facing shortage of critical equipment such as artillery guns and its procurement cases including acquisition of 145 Ultra Light Howitzers, 197 light utility helicopters and several types of air defence weaponry are stuck due to one reason or the other.

IAF Chief Arup Raha briefed the Defence Minister on the operational preparedness of the force and the support required by it from the Government for strengthening its capabilities.

The 126 Rafale combat aircraft deal is also understood to have come up for discussion during the briefing.

The deal has been stuck for the last two years and in view of the delays in getting new planes, the IAF has been forced to continue operating its vintage MiG-series aircraft, which have been frequently meeting with accidents.

Navy chief Admiral Robin Dhowan is expected to brief the Minister next week.