The defence ministry had earlier this year sanctioned Army’s project to procure over 4 lakh close quarter battle carbines through the 'atmanirbharta' (self-sufficiency) route.
Army has been trying to acquire CQB carbines since 2008 to replace outdated & ageing 9mm British Sterling 1A1 submachine guns. MoD gave nod to induct new weapons this week.
The CQB Carbines, with short barrel, are meant for operations in urban environment and room interventions, especially in counter-terrorism operations like in Jammu and Kashmir.
UAE govt is likely to push more at the higher level for the deal, which the Defence Ministry had in-principle decided to scrap as it wants to divert it to ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The projects for procuring carbines and self-propelled air defence system had been in the works for long, but were stuck due to price & technical requirements, among others.
Nick Jonas is not trying to modernise the mangalsutra, but his gesture shows that choices can be equal. If commitment must be flaunted, it need not be gendered.
COMMENTS