The Ministry of Defence has cleared procurement of a large consignment of weapons for the armed forces. The move was probably triggered due to the rampant terror attacks that happened in Jammu and Kashmir recently.

The ministry cleared many proposals, one among them proposed the purchase of 7.4 lakh new assault rifles and 16,500 light machine guns (LMGs). The total cost of the purchase is estimated at Rs. 15,935 crores. However, this is just the first approval and the implementation of the proposal can take a few years. The subsequent steps in the process include issuing tenders, conducting field trials and finally signing the contract to begin production.

The 16,500 light machine guns are approved through a fast-track procedure which would ensure that the guns are purchased within a year. At an estimated cost of Rs. 1819 crores, it would be procured from the global market within a year.

The number of light machine guns ordered is way less than the combined requirement of the Army, Navy and Air Force though will be adequate for operational requirements for soldiers guarding the Pakistan and China borders.

"A concurrent proposal is being processed for the remaining LMGs under the Buy and Make (Indian) categorisation through a tie-up between an Indian vendor and a foreign armament company,” an official informed.