Indian Defense Update

Indian Ministry of Defence, ARJUN MAIN BATTLE TANK:  
The Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun has gone through all the tests and it is meeting the General Staff Qaulitative Requirements of the Army.  
 
However during preparatory tests before comparative trials, certain systems have not met the acceptance criteria. These units are being rectified. More ruggedisation is being introduced to withstand abnormal peak temperatures.  
 
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Shrimati Kum Kum Rai in Rajya Sabha today.  
 
 
PURCHASE OF IL-38 SURVEILLANCE AIRCRAFT:  
A case is under process to buy two IL 38 surveillance aircraft for Navy as replacement for two such aircraft lost in an accident on October 01, 2002.  
 
The existing three IL 38 aircraft in the Navy are being modernized and refurbished in Russia.  
 
The proposed refurbishment will enhance the life of the aircraft by another 15 years and also strengthen its surveillance capability.  
 
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Shri Rama Muni Reddy Sirigireddy in Rajya Sabha today.  
 
 
PATRIOT MISSILE:  
During Defence Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee