The budgetary allocation on the defence sector has risen 10 per cent over the previous outlay. In the interim budget for the year 2009-10 presented in February this year, the government provided $28.34 billion, which was $5.4 billion above the revised estimate of $22.92 billion for 2008-09. Of the $28.34 billion, capital expenditure amounted to $10.96 billion and of this over $8 billion was earmarked for modernization. The balance was used for capital acquisitions and replacements.

Sources in the defence ministry said, the UPA government, in its second term, will be maintaining the trend of increased focus on the defence ministry. The government will focus on its defence forces and will enable them with modern technology to counter threat, enhance combat efficiency and address the lack of modern warfare.

The main agenda of the government includes the successful execution of $10.2-billion deal for the acquisition of 126 Medium Multi Range Combat Aircraft for which the Indian Air Force will begin field trials in August. The Indian Army is also slated to acquire about 200 Light Utility Helicopters and the Navy has already signed a deal for three Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, besides negotiating the price of the Aircraft Carrier Admiral Gorshkov (INS Vikramaditya). The Navy is also focusing on the development of an indigenous aircraft carrier, a submarine and other platforms.

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