Gangtok, December 01, 2007 (DefenceIndia News Service)

Assuring that all the three forces, Army, Navy and Air Force to get latest paraphernalia, Defence Minister A K Antony said on Saturday that the 600 million US Dollar deal to procure 197 light helicopters for the army was not scrapped yet as he assured the defence forces that they will have the "most modern" arms and equipment soon.

While speaking to the reporters in Gangtok, the Defence Minister said,"Negotiations on the helicopter deal from Eurocopter is still on."

His remarks come in the wake of recent reports that Government might open new international tenders for the deal.

"There are delays in some projects, But we are trying to speed up the whole process of modernization of armed forces," Antony said.

"I can assure you that the Army, Navy and Air Force will get most modern equipment in a few years from now," the minister said.

Asked about alleged passport scam, which rocked the army, Antony said a thorough probe was going on and whoever was found guilty would not be spared.

Earlier, the Defence Minister interacted with the jawans posted in Gantok. He would visit some forward areas, including Nathu La, on Sunday.

He also held meetings with Sikkim Chief Minister P K Chamling and state government officials during the day.