Decision on jets, subs awaits govt

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 26

As a new government is set to take over, the task at the Ministry of Defence is well cut out. The decisions, especially those on induction of critical military equipment, will define the level of military readiness for India in the coming years.

Projects, are at various stages, a decision is pending on six new submarines, 400 fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, 57 jets for the Navy, 800 helicopters for the Army, Navy and IAF, new warships and unmanned aerial platforms.

The manufacturing process for getting new AK 203 rifles has started, it needs to be speeded up. Artillery guns have started coming in, the numbers need to be ramped up quickly. The projected schemes on “Make in India” will need a push. Indian military establishment sits on a cusp of change. About 16 per cent — the highest by any ministry — of the country’s Budget is spent by the MoD.

The “strategic partnership” model announced last year will form the core of “Make in India” initiative. On this hinges the production of new submarines, helicopters and fighter jets. The selection process to make the next generation ones is pending and the submarine action plan announced in 1999 is running years behind schedule.

The three forces collectively need some 800 helicopters. The request for information—the first step to acquire equipment—has been sent out for 234 helicopters for the Navy. The production of 197 Kamov 226-T copters, to be made under the Indo-Russian joint venture for the IAF and Army, is set to commence.

Some 400 fighter jets are needed to be produced over the next 10 years for the IAF. These include 284 Tejas of various variants and 114 fighter jets for which the MoD has invited global bidders.

The Army’s Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan, drawn up in 1999 for acquiring 2,800 guns by 2027, is years behind schedule. Delivery of 145 ultra-light howitzers has begun. The delivery of 100 tracked self-propelled guns has also begun. The projects in the pipeline relate to 1,580 towed guns, 814 truck-mounted guns, 180 wheeled self-propelled guns. The MoD will need to speed up gun making.

Acquisition on cards

• Six new submarines
• 400 fighter jets for IAF
• 57 jets for the Navy
• 800 helicopters for the Army, Navy and the IAF
• Unmanned aerial platforms and new warships
• Process for getting new AK 203 rifles has started