The Army has finalised its plan for infantry modernisation focusing on the purchase of small arms including, 7 lakh rifles, 44,000 light machine guns (LMGs) and nearly 44,600 carbines, sources said on Sunday. The weapons are critical for counter-terror operations and combating cross-border raids at the Line of Control.

According to an assessment done by the Army earlier, 46 types of ammunition for tanks and artillery guns, spares for 10 types of weapons, besides armaments and mines will be purchased at a cost of approximately Rs 40,000 crore. The government had decided that the powers must rest with the Army to buy the crucial equipment whenever it feels the need.

DNA had reported in July that the Army has begun procurements to fill up strategic deficiencies and enhance its capabilities to fight a "short, intense war" lasting 15-20 days, to counter terrorist infiltrations. Army top brass brainstormed at the recent Army Commanders' conference to prepare a blueprint for expediting the force's modernisation.

There has been no breakthrough in procuring rifles, carbines and light machine guns for enhanced counter-terror operations in Kashmir.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman then said modernisation of the force was a priority for the government and all its "deficiencies" will be addressed to strengthen its combat capability.

DNA had reported that the Centre has given emergency powers to the Army Vice-Chief to buy ammunition and armaments without necessary sanctions that often cause delays. The move is expected to make the Army self-reliant and cut bureaucratic delays that can be a hindrance to enhancing military firepower critical in a short war.

The decision was taken amid the military standoff with China on the Sikkim border near the Indian-Bhutan-China tri-junction, and Indian troops combating regular shelling and border raids from Pakistan.

After the Uri terror attack in September last year when 18 troops were killed, an internal review by the Army said that there were deficiencies in critical holdings.

The Vice-Chief was then given temporary powers for a period of three months ending December 31, 2016. It was extended for another three months till March 31, 2017. During this period, procurements worth Rs 12,000 crore were made.