Indian Defence Briefs on Arjun Tanks, Radars and Defense Equipment

Indian Ministry of Defence, Defects In Arjun Tank 
 
The mobility defect noticed during field trials of MBT Arjun tank was regarding failure of piston rods of Hydro pneumatic Suspension Unit. The cause of defect has been analysed and corrective action has been taken to eliminate the defect. 
 
The German MTU 838 Ka-501 engine fitted on MBT Arjun has also given some problems during the trials. Help has been sought from Germany to rectify the defects. 
 
The defect of premature warning of air filter was noticed. The cause of defect was analysed and rectified in consultation with the specialists of M/s MTU, Germany. 
 
 
Development of Multi-Mode Radar 
 
There has been a delay in developing Multi-Mode Radar. The project for development of Multi Mode Radar (MMR) was started in June 1991 with Probable Date of Completion of 6½ years. The technology of airborne radars is very complex. The MMR development is being done for the first time in the country. No prior expertise exists in the country in this field with any organization. 
 
There has been a time and cost overrun in the said project. The project to develop two MMR systems for ground testing was sanctioned at a cost of Rs.62.27 crore. This activity was completed in 2004 at a cost of Rs.105 crore. 
 
A co-development activity of MMR has been initiated for Limited Series Production and Series Production with M/s ELTA Systems Ltd, Israel, which has experience in developing similar types of radars. To expedite the project, close monitoring of activity at the highest level of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) management has been put in place. 
 
 
Aircraft Crashes 
 
A total number of 39 aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) have crashed in the accidents since the financial year 2004-2005 to 2007-2008 (till, 7th August, 2007). The details are as follows: 
 
Financial year/No. of aircraft crashed: 
2004-2005: 17 
2005-2006: 11 
2006-2007: 09 
2007-2008: 02 (till 7.8.2007) 
Total: 39 
 
A total number of 25 service personnel and civilian were killed and 6 civilian were injured in these accidents. 
 
Besides the loss of aircraft, compensation amounting to Rs.123,80,000 has also been paid on account of service personnel/civilian killed/injured and loss to the civil property in these accidents. 
 
Every air crash in the IAF is investigated by a Court of Inquiry. As per the Court of Inquiries, the main reasons for aircraft accidents are Human Error and Technical Defect. A continuous and multi-faceted effort is always underway in the IAF to enhance and upgrade flight safety. Measures to enhance the quality of training to improve the skill levels, ability to exercise sound judgment and situational awareness of pilots are being pursued. 
 
Constant interaction with Original Equipment Manufactures (OEMs), both indigenous and foreign, is also maintained to overcome the technical defects of aircraft. Besides, anti-bird measures are also undertaken.  
 
Indigenous Production of Defence Equipment 
 
Government proposes to set up two new defence production units of which one is for the production of Bi-Modular Charge System (BMCS), and the other is for production of new generation carbines. 
 
The project for production of BMCS at Nalanda has already been approved by the Government. The revision in project cost is now pending approval. The unit for production of new generation carbines is under consideration of the Government. 
 
Private sector companies can obtain industrial licence for production of arms and ammunition and set up manufacturing facilities.