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In a bid to strengthen country's defence forces, the Defence Ministry has issued an order worth Rs 22,000 crores for purchase of CH-47 Chinook and AH-64 Apache helicopters which will be inducted in the forces soon.
"The ministry has already issued an order for purchase of 15 Chinook and 21 Apache helicopters, which will soon be inducted in the forces," Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar told reporters here today.
The minister said that the order, totalling Rs 22,000 crores, has been placed for the purchase of these choppers, which will strengthen the capabilities of country's defence forces.
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"There are two elements for the budget, one is expenditure and another salaries. And on both fronts, the government has decided to give enough (funds)," he said.
Parrikar said that the ministry has no constraint with regard to defence capital.
"We are fulfilling the orders which were given 10 to 5 years back. Finances for the same is already reserved," he said.
Parrikar noted with pride that in his 16 months tenure, not a single question has been raised on the defence purchase front.
"...This itself indicates that I don't fall for the pressures," he said.
Parrikar also said that with the Defence ministry giving the nod to export 'Brahmos' and 'Akash' missiles, Indian forces will get a boost.
Claiming that neighbour Pakistan is wary of India's defence powers, Parrikar said during a recent exhibition that Pakistan withdrew display of its JF-17 Fighter jets when India's 'Tejas' (Light Combat Aircraft) was showcased.
