(a) whether the `Arjun`, the Main Battle Tank has become an expensive White Elephant;
(b) if so, the amount spent thereon so far;
(c) whether the Government propose to fix responsibility for colossal waste and also for compromising defence preparedness of the Nation; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI GEORGE FERNANDES)
(a) No, Sir.
(b) to (d): The total expenditure on the design and
development of MBT Arjun is Rs. 305.60 crore, which is
quite justified considering the state-of-the-art
technologies developed and incorporated in it. MBT Arjun
compares most favourably with much costlier world class
contemporary tanks, and the Army has placed orders for it.
The question of fixing responsibility does not arise.