New Delhi, Mar 3: The Indian Navy has been facing a shortage of sea Harriers, the carrier-based vertical take off jet fighter aircraft.

Introduced in the Navy over two decades ago, it was decided to upgrade the aircraft in 2005.

A Contract for the limited upgrade of Sea Harrier aircraft was concluded with M/s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in March 2005 at a cost of Rs. 4766.9 million. The upgradation programme is expected to be completed by 2009.

This has temporarily affected the availability of the aircraft.

Defence Minister A K Antony gave this information in a written reply in the Parliament today.

The Defence Minister also stated that the Government does not propose to introduce compulsory military service in the country.

According to the latest statistics the Army is grappling with a shortage of 11,238 officers in an "authorized" strength of 46,615.

Around 3,000 officers have applied for premature retirement since 2004. (ANI)