Ramp up numbers, strike capability: Parrikar

New Delhi, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today stressed the need for ramping up capabilities and numbers to strengthen the armed forces. The Army is, however, apprehensive at a projected reduction in the upcoming Mountain Strike Corps.
Parrikar, addressing an Army Commanders’ Conference this morning, said: “Capacity building was a continuous process that must proceed apace and unabated”. Even as the minister spoke of expansion, the Mountain Strike Corps and its numbers are under review of the Ministry of Defence.
The previous UPA government had estimated it will cost Rs 88,000 crore and will have 70,000 soldiers. The MoD is now looking at a cost at Rs 38,000 crore over next eight years. It will consist of 35,000 men.
The Army is not happy at these developments since its projections of defending the Himalayan ridgeline facing China depend upon the new Strike Corps.
The six-day conference will deliberate on major operational, human resources and logistic issues affecting the Army. The highest-level Military Conference is held bi-annually to discuss current internal and external strategic issues, review of operational preparedness of the Indian Army and aspects pertaining to military technology and force modernisation.
Parrikar said one of the topmost priorities of the government was the welfare of the ex-servicemen. The ‘One Rank One Pension’ scheme implementation process is underway, he said. Earlier, Indian Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag addressed the conference and stressed various major operational, logistics, training and manpower issues.
The Indian Air Force Commanders’ Conference also commenced today to chalk out methods for enhancing operational capability of the force.
IAF Chief Air Chief Marshall Arup Raha updated Parrikar on operational status of the IAF. He also highlighted the efforts put in to increase the aircraft serviceability and the corresponding increase in flying task of IAF as compared to the previous year. The IAF has improved upon the availability of the Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets.