Procurement of Defence equipment is made by the Government from various indigenous as well as foreign sources to meet the requirements of the Armed Forces. The import option is exercised when it is necessary to procure the items within a definite time frame on operational grounds to bridge the capability gaps and normally when such equipment cannot be sources indigenously within a specified timeframe. The major part of defence requirement is met through acquisition from indigenous sources.
Expenditure incurred on import of defence equipment during the last three years 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09 is as follows:
Year / Expenditure incurred on import of defence equipment (Rs. In crores)
- 2006-07: 5541.28
- 2007-08: 10161.85
- 2008-09: 10203.12
Since procurement is based on security concerns, perspective capabilities, equipment profile and availability of funds, it is not feasible to indicate the future expenditure proposed for the next three years.
During the last three years, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09 a sum of Rs. 1261.45 crores (approx) has been earned in foreign exchange through export of defence equipment/items. In order to reduce dependence on import of defence equipment, DPP-2008 has laid down ‘Make’ procedure to ensure indigenous research, design, development and production capabilities sought by the Armed Forces in prescribed timeframe while optimally utilizing the potential of Indian industry.
The procedure is aimed at achieving self reliance in defence equipment. In addition, procurement under ‘Buy (Indian)’ category provides for minimum 30 % indigenous content. Further, an offset clause has been made applicable for all procurement proposals where indicative cost is Rs. 300 crore or more and the schemes are categorized as ‘Buy (Global)’ involving outright purchase from foreign/Indian vendors and ‘Buy and Make with Transfer of Technology’ i.e. Purchase from foreign vendor followed by Licensed Production.
This information was given by Minister of Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Asaduddin Owaisi and others in Lok Sabha today.
Manufacturing of Helicopters
The design and development programme of Light Combat Helicopter was approved in October 2006. The first prototype (technology demonstrator) is expected to get the initial operational clearance by December 2010.
There is a proposal to export the indigenously developed helicopters.
HAL has exported five numbers of the indigenously developed Helicopter Dhruv to Ecuador.
This information was given by Minister of Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Hansraj G Ahir in Lok Sabha today.
Joint Venture for Development of Aircraft
An Inter Government Agreement (IGA) between Government of India and Government of Russian Federation was signed for formation of Joint Venture (JV) in November 2007 to develop a new Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA) for Defence Sector with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as the Indian Partner.
A preliminary project report prepared in 2006 envisaging a development cost of USD 600 million for a transport aircraft of weight class 20 tons.
It is expected that commencement of production of the aircraft will take seven to eight years from ‘Go Ahead’ sanction.
No agreement has been signed between European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) and India to enhance cooperation in aerospace and defence Sector.
However, Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has entered into a contract with EADS for consultancy on LCA, specifically for flight testing.
This information was given by Minister of Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Bhaijayant Jay Panda in Lok Sabha today.
Manufacturing of Submarines
The Indian Navy operates a number of submarines of various classes. One of the submarines is due for de-commissioning. Divulging further details in this regard would not be in the national interest.
A contract for construction of six Scorpene class submarines at M/s Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), Mumbai in collaboration with M/s Armaris, France was concluded on October 06, 2005.
No agreement has been signed with other countries for manufacturing of submarines.
This information was given by Minister of Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Jai Prakash Agarwal and Smt Maneka Gandhi in Lok Sabha today.
Flight testing of Tejas
Taking into account certain changes in the objectives proposed by Indian Air Force, the second quarterly review held in March 2007 by the Empowered Committee chaired by Chief of Air Staff (CAS) have recommended the date for Final Operational Clearance for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas as December 2012.
To complete the project in time, a high level review is being conducted by the CAS once in every quarter and by the Deputy Chief of Air Staff once in every month.
This information was given by Minister of Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Adhalrao Patil Shivaji in Lok Sabha today.
Indigenous Engines for Aircraft
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has offered to co-develop and co-produce 90 kN thrust class of upgraded Kaveri engine with M/s Snecma, France to meet the operational requirement of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Tejas with 48 months from the date of project inception.
DRDO and M/s Snecma are jointly responsible for engine design, development, flight trials and certification in Tejas.
The modified Kaveri engine proposal provides comparable thrust throughout the flight envelope of Tejas.
Minimum changes are required in the airframe to integrate this engine without affecting the weight and configuration of Tejas.
The proposal for co-development was considered by Indian Air Force. Indian Air Force has suggested a proven engine that is already in production and flight worthy for meeting immediate requirement. Request for Proposal (RFP) has been issued to reputed engine manufacturers.
This information was given by Minister of Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Suresh Kalmadi and Shri Vilas Mutttemwar in Lok Sabha today.
