Summary of Indian Defence Project Updates

, Life Enhancement of MiG-29 
 
The Indian Air Force has proposed a midlife upgrade and Total Technical Life (TTL) extension of MiG-29 aircraft. As part of the midlife upgrade, the life of MiG-29 aircraft, which were inducted between 1986 and 1995, gets extended from 25 years / 2500 hours to 40 years / 3500 hours to meet the requirements of the IAF. These aircraft use technologies of 1980s vintage and better technologies are now available which can considerably enhance the operation capability of the aircraft. 
 
Midlife upgrade and TTL extension is a globally accepted process and is undertaken scientifically to ensure performance, safety and air worthiness. The proposed life enhancement is based on the studies done at Russian Federation facilities. 
 
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Ms Ingrid Mcleod in Lok Sabha today.  
 
Research & Development Work on Trishul 
 
No decision has been taken by the Government to stop Research and Development work on the indigenous ship defence missile Trishul as reported in the section of the media. 
 
So far, 82 flight testq have been conducted and Rs. 275.40 crore have been spent on development of Trishul missile for all the three services and ground systems. 
 
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Anandrao V Adsul and other in Lok Sabha today.  
 
Steps to Prevent MiG-21 Crashes 
 
The cause of a few MiG-21 aircraft accidents in the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been attributed to engine failure due to jamming of the Reciprocating Slide Valve (RSV) of the engine fuel system resulting from possible contamination of fuel. 
 
The engine of MiG-21 aircraft, which is made of numerous small and intricate components, sometimes develops problems at varying stages of exploitation under different environmental conditions. Once an accident takes place, the investigators of the accidents have to study the remnants of the components of the system to try and establish the cause of the failure. In cases of fighter crashes, the components are destroyed due to the high impact speed and intense fire in the wreckage. 
 
Therefore, it is not always possible to pinpoint the cause of the engine failure. However, in a few MiG-21 aircraft accidents, the problem of jamming of RSV has already been identified by investigators. The remedial measures could not be instituted till the investigators identified the cause. 
 
Several steps are taken by the IAF on a continuous basis to augment flight safety. In this direction, the RSV has been modified in consultation with the designers of the equipment. Besides the use of one – micron filters during refueling of aircraft and maintaining high level of fuel discipline at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) division and operating units have been instituted by the Indian Air Force. These measures have resulted in sharp reduction in the accident rate of the MiG-21 aircraft. 
 
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Datta Meghe in Rajya Sabha today.  
 
Manufacture & Purchase of Submarines 
 
Mazagon Dock Limited, a Defence Public Sector Undertaking, has been contracted to construct six Scorpene Class submarines for the Indian navy under Transfer of Technology from M/s Armaris, France. 
 
The first of the submarines of Scorpene class is scheduled to be delivered in 2012 and one each every year thereafter till 2017. The total cost of the project sanctioned by the Government is Rs. 18,798 crore. 
 
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri C Ramachanraiah in Rajya Sabha today.  
 
Exodus of Pilots From Air Force 
 
Against an authorized strength of 3278 pilots in the Indian Air Force (IAF), 3068 pilots are in position. The vacancy of 210 pilots cannot be termed large as it does not affect operational requirements. 
 
There is no large departure of pilots from the Air Force. The details of the numbers of IAF pilots who have sought premature retirement during the last four years is as follows:  
 
2003: 72 pilots 
2004: 116 pilots 
2005: 58 pilots 
2006: 19 (up to Oct. 31) 
 
A majority of the pilots released from the service have already completed their useful tenure as pilots. These exits do no affect the operational status of the squadrons. 
 
The improvement in the job profile of the IAF pilots is a continuous process keeping in view the job specific requirements and operational necessity. 
 
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Janardhana Poojary in Rajya Sabha today