(a) whether certain deficiencies have been detected in the arms and ammunition
manufactured by the ordnance factories in the country during the last three years;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Armed Forces have also rejected such arms and ammunition;
(d) if so, the facts in this regard; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government to ensure the quality of arms and ammunition
manufactured in the ordnance factories in the country?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR DEFENCE PRODUCTION (RAO INDERJIT SINGH)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The army has reported certain deficiencies in some batches of
.56mm INSAS rifle, 5.56mm INSAS Light Machine Guns, Small Arms Ammunition, Tank
Ammunition and Delay Igniters, supplied by Ordnance Factories.
(c) & (d): Armed forces have segregated affected quantities of arms and ammunitions
for investigation/repair. Detailed Statement is attached.
(e) Some of the steps being taken by ordnance factories to ensure better quality and
avoid such recurrences include:-
(i) Adopting Total Quality Management concept and continuously
updating quality
monitoring techniques.
(ii) Upgrading Plant and Machinery for achieving built in quality.
(iii) Quickly investigating deficiencies in association with the
armed forces.
(iv) Imparting specialized training to workmen and supervisory
staff.
(v) Modernising Proof testing equipments to record accurate proof
and test parameters.
(vi) Interacting regularly with the users.
(vii) Handing over quality control of input materials and vendor
development activities
to Ordnance Factories, so as to have better control over the
quality chain.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN THE REPLY GIVEN IN PARTS (c) & (d) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED
QUESTION NO. 736 FOR ANSWER ON 23.2.2006
Sl Items Remarks No
1. 5.56mm INSAS Rifle Problem of Oil Spray noticed. Periodical maintenance instructions are being amended besides, exploring the feasibility for minor modification in design. 2. 5.56mm INSAS Light Bullet lodging in some LMGs noticed Machine Gun during firing. Necessary modification in design is being carried out. 3. 125mm High Explosive Ammunition Burning particles found during firing, due to use of Triple Base Propellant. Repair of segregated ammunition has been started and likely to be completed within 3 years. 4. 125mm High Explosive Anti tank Ammunition 5. 125mm Fin Stabilized Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot 6. Igniter 4 Sec. Delay This igniter, which is used for hand and rifle grenades, was found to have problems during storage at the depots. Design improvement has been carried out and a new variety has been offered to the army for trial evaluation. 7 Small Arms Cartridge Some ammunition became rusted during 7.62mm storage. The majority of this segregated ammunition has been repaired. 8. Small Arms Cartridge A small quantity of this ammunition 5.56mm was segregated due to material design defects and is being investigated.