13:21 GMT, August 17, 2010 According to the Indian Press Information Bureau, the following information was recently given by Indian Defence Minister, Shri AK Antony in written replies to members of the Parliament of India:


Purchase of Anti-tank Missile

The Ministry of Defence proposes to issue a Letter of Request to the Government of USA under their Foreign Military Sales route for procurement of 3rd Generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile along with transfer of technology. After the issue of the Letter of Request, further procurement-related necessary action will follow.


Blacklisting of Defence Firms

CBI had registered a case against Shri Sudipta Ghosh, former DGOF and others regarding receipt of illegal gratification from suppliers of Ordnance Factories. Subsequently they have filed a charge sheet before the CBI Court Kolkata, a copy of which was received by the Ministry of Defence in July 2010. CBI has also recommended blacklisting of six firms involved in payment of illegal gratification. The case has been referred to CVC for advice. A decision will be taken after receipt of the advice of the CVC and after consulting the Law Ministry.


Submarine Fleet

The delay in the scheduled delivery of Scorpene Submarines is likely to have an impact on the envisaged force level. However, the gap in submarine capacity has been addressed by modernization/upgradation with the state-of-the-art weapon and sensor fit on the existing submarines which have significantly enhanced their combat worthiness against any eventuality.

The delay is not due to work overload on Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL). MDL has a separate line for submarine construction and is in the process of making one more line. However, delivery schedule of submarines was adversely affected due to initial teething problems, absorption of technology, augmentation of MDL infrastructure and procurement of MDL Purchased Material (MPM) items.

There are no indigenous/foreign private companies in India that could have individually made full Scorpene submarines. However, MDL is outsourcing works relating to this project to capable Indian companies.


Light Combat Helicopters

The indigenously designed and developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) made its inaugural flight on March 29, 2010. The helicopter is in the 5.5 ton category with narrow fuselage, tandem seat configuration for pilot and co-pilot with glass cockpit.

LCH’s initial operational clearance (IOC) is scheduled for December, 2011. After achievement of IOC, the schedule for final operational clearance (FOC) will be formalized. After receipt of FOC, HAL will approach IAF for supply orders and the delivery schedule.

LCH will be initially inducted into the IAF and subsequently to other Indian Armed Forces. Possibility of export will arise only after meeting the requirement of the Indian Armed Forces.


Joint Patrolling in Coastal Areas

Government has initiated several measures to strengthen coastal security, including the security of the country’s eastern coast. For this purpose, coastal surveillance and patrolling have been enhanced. Joint and operational exercises are conducted on regular basis among the Navy, the Coast Guard, Coastal Police, Customs and others in order to check the effectiveness of the integrated approach adopted for security of coastal areas. Further, continuous review and monitoring mechanism have been established by the Government at different levels, involving various agencies, including the State/Union Territory authorities. Installation of radars covering the country’s entire coastline is also an essential part of this process.


Procurement of Helicopters

A contract for the procurement of 12 AW-101 helicopters was signed between Ministry of Defence and M/s Agusta Westland Limited, United Kingdom on February 08, 2010. The cost of the project is Rs. 3546.17 crore. Out of these 12 helicopters, eight helicopters will be configured for VVIP transportation and four helicopters will be the non-VVIP version.

The helicopters were procured to replace the ageing Mi-8 helicopters being used in this role that are nearing completion of their technical life. There were no objections raised by the Ministry of Finance relating to any security concerns raised by the Special Protection Group (SPG) or the Indian Air Force.

Tendering process was held in this deal. A global Request for Proposal was issued and a multi-vendor procurement procedure followed as per Defence Procurement Procedure – 2006.