New Delhi, Dec 4 (IANS) The Indian Army reiterated Friday that it was fully prepared and capable to counter any challenge at a very short notice.
“It may also be understood that our armed forces are fully prepared, battle-worthy and capable to counter any challenges at a very short notice, in keeping with the task assigned to defend the nation,” the army said in a statement.

“It is clarified that modernisation is a deliberate process and is progressive in nature. The deficiency of the military hardware is reviewed at regular intervals and replacement of these are projected after deliberation based on the operational requirement and enhancement of operational efficiency keeping pace with modernization,” the statemetn added.

Recent media reports have suggested that the operational preparedness of the army has suffered as its modernisation drive has slowed down for a variety of reasons, ranging from corruption in defence deals to delays in selecting equipment to be procured.

The army said its combat efficiency could not be doubted as this was its primary task.

“There has been no compromise in this issue. The progress of modernization is monitored closely at various levels to minimize the shortfall,” the statement added.