Thursday, May 19 2005 08:29 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: In the wake of the recent controversy over South African armament major Denel, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee yesterday (May 18, 2005) took a detailed presentation from Defence officials over the state-of-the-art ordnance factory coming up in Nalanda.

The factory is supposed to produce advanced illuminated artillery shells for 155mm guns.

A joint venture with the South African armament major Denel, the factory is coming up in the Parliamentary Constituency of former Defence Minister George Fernandes.

The presentation assumes significance in the wake of recent freeze announced by Government over Denel.

The freeze was the result of media reports that Denel was involved in pay off for securing major anti-material rifle for Indian Army.