Indian armed forces' weapons procurement plans on hold as cuts in defence budget expected

New Delhi: The armed forces may have to trim some of their ambitious weapons procurement plans after indications that the defence budget could be cut by around four to five per cent if not more, as part of Finance Minister P Chidambaram's plans to lower the deficit.

This could delay the Indian Air Force's plans to buy the Rafale fighter jets or the Army's plans to buy light artillery for use in the hills.

The Navy's procurement could also take a hit although they have done far better than the other services in terms of indigenising procurement of ships and systems.

There are indications that the defence budget could be cut by around four to five per cent if not more, as part of Finance Minister\'s plans to lower the deficit.

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