In a major boost to its firepower, the Indian army has inducted the indigenous Dhanush howitzer and the American precision-guided Excalibur artillery ammunition in its inventory.
According to Army sources, the top brass of the force was briefed about the induction of this weapon system and ammunition on Wednesday.
The Excalibur ammunition which has been acquired under the fast track procedure can hit targets at extended ranges.
Army commander's conference was briefed about ammunition's induction, where several other matters were also discussed including the new post of the Chief of Defence Staff and induction of Made in India Dhanush artillery gun.
Army Commander's Conference discussed the issue of creation of the new post of the Chief of Defence Staff and it came to notice that army commanders felt the need for creating structures that can help in effective integration of the new office with services, sources said.
Army Commanders also discussed proposals about giving enhanced grants for personnel, who are invalidated out of service due to injuries and disabilities before 10 years of service.
Sources said that the commanders were also briefed about the induction of Dhanush artillery gun in the force and how it is going to enhance the firepower of the Indian Army in operations.
An official release later in the day informed that the Officers Automated Structured Information System (OASIS) has also been rolled out for full automation of records of officers.
"OASIS has been hosted on Army Intranet and has details of every officer's data from pre-commissioning to retirement," the release said.
"Ex-servicemen status for Military Nursing Officer was earlier left out due to aberration and their inclusion as ex-servicemen has been discussed in ACC. Such status shall help them with certain privileges which are not available today. Army HQ is progressing the case for its promulgation and implementation. The case is being progressed in a faster manner," it added.
Pensions to 1965 and 1971 Emergency Commission officers were also discussed in the conference.
"The requirement of pensions of this category is well-justified and necessary. Army headquarters is progressing the case for their pension with Ministry of Defence," it said.
( With inputs from ANI )