TIA NEWS /

PARIKARGovernment has said, there is no proposal to privatise arms and ammunition factories in the country. Speaking at a function in Pune yesterday, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said, the factories are producing arms and ammunition worth nearly 14,000 crore rupees, hence the question of privatisation does not arise. He said, at present, the government imports some parts required for ammunition, but now it proposes to give the production to private sectors within the country.

The Defence Minister also said, 155 mm artillery gun Dhanush developed by DRDO is really good and in near future, it can be exported as well. Talking to reporters after the function, Mr. Parrikar said, Rafale Aircraft deal with France is not yet finalised, but the negotiations are in advanced stage and the intention is to close it quite soon.