Indian MoD comments various defence and security issues

[Deletedid1]

15:38 GMT, March 8, 2011 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:

PROCUREMENT OF FIGHTER AIRCRAFT

The requirement of aircraft and helicopters is periodically reviewed and it is ensured that the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF) are met.

Government has not signed any deal with the USA for the procurement of the fighter aircraft.

The Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for procurement of six C-130J-30 aircraft was signed with the Government of the United States of America on 31st January, 2008. The first aircraft arrived in India on 5th February, 2011. The project is on schedule.

The proposals for procurement of Attack Helicopters and Heavy Lift Helicopters for the IAF are being progressed in accordance with the Defence Procurement Procedure.

ARMY COMMUNICATION NETWORK

An alternate exclusive dedicated OFC based communication network for Defence Services for release of spectrum is being executed by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL). Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure (CCI) has given a financial approval of Rs.9175.16 crore (Rs.1077.16 crores for Air Force and Rs.8098.00 crores for Army and Navy) for laying of alternate communication network for Defence Services. This project is to be completed by December 2012.

DRDO IN BANNED LIST

United State Government has removed the following DRDO laboratories from the US Entity List of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR):

(i) Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE);
(ii) Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL);
(iii) Research Centre Imarat (RCI); and
(iv) Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL).

It is expected that recent removal of DRDO laboratories from the Entity List to work to DRDO's advantage in acquiring high technology in pace with the technology advancement subjected to lesser trade restrictions.

TESTING OF BRAHMOS MISSILE

The supersonic cruise missile BrahMos has been tested successfully for application in Indian Navy and Army. On 2nd December 2010, Block-Ill version of the missile was test fired to establish the steep dive capability of the missile with large manoeuvres. The mission was accomplished successfully, establishing a unique capability of supersonic dive in mountain operations.

Block-I and II versions of the BrahMos missile are already in service with the Indian Army. Block-Ill version is likely to be inducted in the 12th Plan.

MILITARY INFRASTRUCTURE ON BORDER

A statement on the details of the infrastructure and building works being undertaken by the government in response to the military modernisation programmes of the neighbouring countries is as follows:

China disputes the International Boundary between India and China. There is no commonly delineated Line of Actual Control (LAC) between the two countries. Both sides patrol up to their respective perceptions of LAC. From time to time, on account of differences in the perception of the LAC, situations have arisen on the ground that could have been avoided if we had a common perception of the LAC. The number of such incidents in last three years have generally been as per established pattern.

It is understood that China is undertaking infrastructure development programme in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) which include construction of roads, railways and airfields. The total road network in TAR is assessed at 58,000 kms in the year 2010. Extension of Qinghai Tibet Railway (OTR) to Xigaze is in progress. Another railway line from Kashgar to Hotan in Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR) is under construction. Five airfields in TAR have become operational (i.e. Gongar, Pangta, Linchi, Hoping and Gar Gunsa).

Specific cases of infrastructure development by the Chinese in close proximity to the LAC are taken up with their authorities through the established mechanism of Hot Lines, Flag Meeting and Border Personnel Meetings.

Necessary steps as required have been initiated for ensuring that national security concerns are adequately addressed through development of infrastructure, including rail, roads and forward air fields, as well as operational capabilities of the Armed forces.

Military capacity enhancement and modernization of armed forces is a dynamic process, which takes into account the cumulative challenges envisaged by the nation. Our infrastructure development, force restructuring and modernization is being implemented in consonance with our threat perception to secure our borders and protect national interests.