Jabalpur: Stopped after a commission scandal and later stuck up for want of a glue, indigenous production of latest version of anti-tank ammunition will begin after a gap of nearly 10 years. The work will be implemented in ordnance factory Khamaria at Jabalpur. Held up for want of a specialized glue, the production was supposed to begin last year but got delayed by four months. Now the glue consignment has arrived from Russia, production is expected to begin soon, said sources following the development.There has been a concern about shortage of tank-fired anti-tank ammunition with the issue also taken up in the parliament earlier. Even as ordnance factories make the high explosive (HE) and High Explosive Anti Tank (HEAT), variants of shells, production of latest version that can pierce through the armour of modern tanks has been stopped since nearly a decade. The fin stabilized armour piercing discarding sabot (FSAPDS) shell of 125mm calibre is the variant.Its production was under way through a transfer of technology (TOT) agreement from Israel. However, after a commission controversy erupted a decade ago, all the arrangements with the Israeli company were put on hold. This stopped the production of 125mm FSAPDs shells too.Finally a TOT has been obtained from Russia. Even as other components landed at the ordnance factory Khamaria the glue required for making the shells had not arrived. The congisnment reached the ports last week and will soon be sent to Khamaria. The delay in supply of glue had pushed back the production by four months. The factory still hopes to supply the indented quantity shells for the year in time, said sources.The matter was taken up with the Russians and it is expected that there would be no hiccups in the future. Sources said the glue had a short shelf life and only the required quantity had to be imported to avoid waste.FSADPS shell has the capacity to pierce the tank armour. The splinters enter the tank and immobilize the engine and even injuring the crew inside. HE and HEAT shells are not as effective against the modern armour plated tanks, experts said. The shell has a tungsten alloy penetrator.Once the production begins, the shortage of anti-tank shells will end. Defence sources said it was not a crisis situations as the armoured squadrons are only deployed in the plains of northern and western front where there is no immediate threat.The ordnance factory will also taking up production of advanced ammunition for shoulder fired rocket launchers through a Swedish TOT, said sources.

Stay updated with all the Latest Nagpur headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.