Indian MoD comments various defence and security issues

Indian Press Information Bureau

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:

Development of Indigenous Cauvery Engine for LCA

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing Kaveri engine for Light Comber Aircraft (LCA). The technologies / productions of Kaveri engine which attained maturity during the development process are given below:

(i) All major engine sub-assemblies have been tested for aerodynamic performance and structural integrity (life & safety) requirements from qualification point of view.

(ii) Critical sub-systems have been developed.

(iii) Full authority Kaveri Digital engine Control System (KADECS) has been designed and developed.

(iv) Various critical technologies in the fields of instrumentation/measurement, health monitoring, data acquisition, etc. have been developed.

(v) Twelve materials (Titanium, Steel and super alloys) have been developed and type certified.

(vi) Directionally Solidified (DS) casting technology and high temperature tip brazing technology for the High Pressure and Low Pressure turbine blades & vanes have been developed.

(vii) Adequate manufacturing technology base has been established.

 

The reasons for the delay in developing the said engine are as follows:

 

(i) Non-availability of critical materials, viz., nickel and titanium based alloys in the country.

(ii) Low priority from foreign manufacturing agencies in view of the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) vis-à-vis the production order quantity from other engine houses.

(iii) Lack of manufacturing infrastructure for critical components.

(iv) Flying Test Bed (FTB) trials were not originally envisaged but included subsequently, based on the recommendations of Certification Agency and IAF.

(v) US sanctions imposed during 1998 affected the delivery of critical systems & components.

(vi) Lack of infrastructure of engine testing and component / system level testing within the country leading to dependency on foreign agencies.

Kaveri engine testing under simulated altitude and forward speed conditions during February 2010 has been successfully completed. Another engine has been integrated with IL-76 aircraft at Gromov Flight Research Institute (GFRI), Moscow for ground and flight test which is expected to complete by October 2010.

These two major milestones would make ‘Kaveri’ engine certified for flight operations. Productions of LCAs are, meanwhile, as decided by user, being fitted with imported engines. The details of funds allocated and utilized year wise, during the last three years, are as below:

Financial Year / Allocation (Rs. in crore) / Expenditure (Rs in crore)

2007-2008 / 157.05 / 152.51

2008-2009 / 153.54 / 153.54

2009-2010 / 123.20 / 122.06

 

Delivery of Admiral Gorshkov Aircraft Carrier

 

The Government proposes to acquire an aircraft carrier ‘Admiral Gorshkov’ from Russia. The delivery of the ship has been planned for December 2012. A team of Indian specialists comprising of officers, sailors and civilian personnel have been deputed to Russia as part overseeing team who are constantly monitoring the progress of work onboard the ship. Additionally, the Refit work is being monitored through regular project reviews at the shipyard by sending composite delegation.

 

Modernisation of T-72 Tanks Vis-a-Vis Arjun Tanks

 

The Army follows a philosophy of having a mix of legacy equipment, equipment with matured technology and state-of-the-art equipment. T-72 tank is not an antiquated equipment. Therefore, the Army intends to retrofit/upgrade these tanks to enhance their mission reliability and life expectancy.

Orders for 124 Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun have already been placed on the Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi. As on date, 85 MBT Arjun Tanks have been issued to the Army. Keeping in view the production capacity for MBT Arjun Tanks and strategic considerations, the Government is also exercising the option for modernising T-72 tanks instead of total replacement of these tanks on completion of their life span.

 
Strengthening of Coastal Defence
 

Government has initiated several measures to strengthen coastal security, including surveillance mechanism. For this purpose, an integrated approach has been put in place. The coastal surveillance and patrolling have been enhanced. Joint and operational exercises are taking place on regular basis among the Navy, the Coast Guard, Coastal State Police, Customs and others to check the effectiveness of the new systems. The intelligence-sharing mechanism has been streamlined through the creation of Joint Operational Centres and multi-agency coordination mechanism. Measures have also been taken to further strengthen the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard. Towards this existing naval Commanders-in-Chief are also designated as the Commander-in-Chief Coastal Defence. The Indian Coast Guard has been additionally designated as the authority responsible for coastal security in territorial waters including areas to be patrolled by coastal police.