Artillery Guns, Missiles among Critical Projects: Army chief

New Delhi, Jan 13 (IANS) Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh Tuesday said acquisition of artillery guns, third generation missiles, upgrading armoured vehicles, augmenting army aviation and strengthening infantry were among "critical areas" for force modernization being progressed on fast track.

Addressing the annual press conference ahead of the Army Day (Jan 15), he said he had laid his vision after taking over six months and these provided the "guiding framework" and reflected "aspirations" of the army to become a modern combat force.

There were over 100 projects for modernization of which seven had identified as "critical".

Elaborating on these, he said there had not been procurement of a major artillery gun for the last 28 years. However, he added that the Defence Acquisition Council had cleared acquisition of 814 155mm/52 caliber mounted gun system for Rs.15,750 crore.

Referring to the third generation anti-tank guided missiles, he said a project of over 8,000 missiles had been cleared, while proposals concerning helicopters for army aviation, upgrading of armoured vehicles, night vision devices for mechanised forces and assault rifle and bullet proof jackets for the infantry were "moving on fast track."

He said that infrastructure development, especially along the northern and north eastern borders, remains a priority to "meet the large capability gap".

Gen. Singh said that human resource remains the army's "most valuable asset" and improving their standard of living remains his key thrust area.