Indian Ministry of Defence, Indian Defence has admitted delays in its naval projects. The Defence also noted delays in the induction of Indian army's main battle tank, Arjun according to the information given by the Indian Defence Minister.
Delay In Induction of Arjun Tank
There has been some delay due to frequent design modification and the time required to procure some major assemblies.
The necessary steps have been taken to ensure timely availability of all critical aggregates. Production of the MBT Arjun tank is being regularly monitored through Working Group Meeting held under the chairmanship of Director General Mechanised Forces and Steering Committee held under the Co-Chairmanship of Secretary (Defence Production) and Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri.
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Motilal Vora and Satyavrat Chaturvedi in Rajya Sabha today.
Delay In Naval Projects
Two Indian Navy projects namely the stealth frigate project (P-17) and destroyer (P-15A) are under execution at Mazagaon Docks Ltd (MDL), Mumbai to meet the delivery dates of 2008-2009 and 2010-2012 respectively as per the delivery schedules.
The construction of six Scorpene submarines at MDL slated for delivery between 2012-2017 is expected to be completed as per schedule.
The construction of Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) is progressing with the scheduled “launch” of the ship in 2010 at Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL). However, the final delivery of the ship may be delayed from the earlier likely delivery in 2012. Adequate funds are provided to CSL for the project. The project is reviewed at various levels for early completion.
The overall progress of repair and re-equipping of the ship, ex-Admiral Gorshkov, in Russia is slow. The Russian side has submitted a revised Master Schedule indicating a delay in the project. The Russian side has attributed the delays to “Growth of Work”. Issues relating to the slow progress are taken up between the two countries at appropriate level.
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Dharam Pal Sabharwal in Rajya Sabha today.
