The Indian Army will go in for fresh tenders for acquisition of upgraded 155mm artillery guns, the new Vice-Chief of Army Staff S. Pattabhiraman said Monday.

Pattabhiraman said the Army will go in for international re-tendering for acquisition of upgraded wheeled and tracked 155mm high caliber guns, according to the local paper Pioneer.

Asserting that it will be the Army's top priority to make upgraded 155mm guns as artillery standard weapon, the new Vice-Chief said no fresh trials will be held for upgraded 155mm guns which can fire longer range new generation ammunition upto 65 kms.

Listing his priorities and key focus areas, Pattabhiraman said he will strive to maintain the operational preparedness of the Army and accelerate the modernization of the Special Forces and Artillery.

The Special Forces and Artillery are lagging behind as far as modernization and upgradation was concerned, he said the emphasis will now be on equipping the Special Forces commandoes with high voltage assault rifles, night vision devices, sniper rifles and combat parachutes.

He also said the Indian government has oked converting the paratrooper battalions into Special Forces battalions.

Source: Xinhua