Indian Defense Briefs on Trishul Missile, Arjun Tank Projects

Indian Ministry of Defence, 1. Delay in Delivery of Aircraft Carrier Gorshkov 
The aircraft carrier Gorshkov is scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2008. The Russian side has assured at the highest level that the ship will be delivered as per contract. The aircraft carrier is undergoing necessary repairs / modifications in Russia at present. 
 
The project is being closely monitored by the Empowered Apex Committee headed by the Defence Secretary and the Steering Committee headed by the Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition. 
 
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Ravi Prakash Verma and Shrimati Manorama Madhavaraj in Lok Sabha today.  
 
2. Trishul Missile Project 
Trishul missile system is not a failure. Technically it has met the performance objectives as per original Qualitative Requirements (QRs) though delayed. The main reason for this delay are technical problems in achieving perfect 3-beam guidance and obtaining millimetric wave components from abroad. 
 
Trishul missile project is required even after the successful test of firing of Agni-3 Missile. Trishul missile is a low-level, quick-reaction, short range, surface-to-air missile against air targets whereas, Agni-III is a long range surface-to-surface missile against fixed strategic targets. 
 
As the realization of Trishul missile system got delayed, users (Army, Air Force, and Navy) resorted to acquisition from abroad as the QRs and operational requirements got modified over time. 
 
Dialogue is still on with Air Force to accept the system developed and produced for deploying in certain locations and for training/fire control/air defence practices. 
 
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Rakesh Singh in Lok Sabha today.  
 
3. Purchase of 155 mm. Cannon (Guns) 
A decision has been taken to procure 155 mm guns and the procurement process has been initiated strictly in accordance with the Defence Procurement Procedure. 
 
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Santosh Gangwar in Lok Sabha today.  
 
4. Arjun Tank 
At present there is no proposal to seek foreign technology assistance with regard to the production of Arjun Tank. Issues related to production of Arjun Tank are being resolved. Indian Army has placed an indent of manufacturing of 124 Tanks on Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) in March 2000. Five tanks have been handed over to Indian Army. Nine more tanks are under Joint Receipt Inspection. 
 
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Dalpat Singh Parste in Lok Sabha today.  
 
5. Procurement of Night Vision Devices 
The Defence Forces propose to acquire night vision devices. The acquisitions are proposed to be made through floating of Global Request for Proposals/Foreign Military Sales route. The evaluations/trials are in progress in some of the cases. Divulging the details in this regard on the Floor of the House would not be in the interest of national security. The procurement of these devices would enhance the night-fighting capabilities of the Armed Forces. 
 
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Adhir Chowdhury and Shri Nikhil Kumar in Lok Sabha today.