Every year the Armed Forces are asked to give up funds earmarked for the purchase of critical fighting equipment to balance Government’s books. The Armed Forces surrender between Rs 4,000 crore and Rs 5,000 crore ahead of the Budget from the unspent amount of capital account usually returned by the Army. This year there is a twist in the tale: The defence services are being asked to postpone signing of contracts to after March 31, 2012 — the next financial year.