However, large-scale deficiencies c

However, large-scale deficiencies continue to persist in the holdings of weapons, ammunition and equipment by combat units. The MoD has been unable to procure a suitable modern rifle – the basic weapon used by infantry soldiers. Successive CAG reports have highlighted the alarmingly low levels of operationally critical tank and artillery ammunition held by the army. In the past the CAG has pointed out that the serviceability state of the navy’s submarine fleet is rather low due to the non-availability of adequate spares.
Another recent CAG report pointed out that the strength of the IAF is down to 35 squadrons (aviation analysts put the figure at 30 to 32); the serviceability rates of the Sukhoi fleet – India’s frontline fighter aircraft – are as low as 55-60 per cent due to the lack of spares and inadequate repair facilities; and, the bulk of the helicopter fleet is obsolete. Thirty helicopters have crashed since 2010, claiming 50 lives. In March 2015, a group of army wives had complained to the Defence Minister that there had been far too many crashes of light helicopters.