(a) whether over Rs. 2000 crore of aircraft components are imported every year of which 60 per cent are imported from Russian manufacturers;
(b) if so, whether the Government are trying to explore domestic alternatives for these components; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI
GEORGE FERNANDES)
(a) No, Sir. On an average aircraft components
worth about Rs. 300 crores are imported yearly, out
of which a little over 75% are imported from Russia
and CIS countries.
(b) & (c): Indigenisation of spares like nuts,
bolts, screws, washers, some electronic equipments
and rubberised items is under progress.
A committee with representatives of IAF, HAL,
DRDO, Defence PSUs and Inspection & Certification
agencies like Centre for Military Air Worthiness
Certification (CEMILAC) & Director General
Aeronautics Quality & Assurance (DGAQA), as members,
has been formed to look into the requirement of
spares for IAF and feasibility of their indigenous
development. IAF has also taken the initiative of
coordinating with the Confederation of Indian
Industries (CII) to involve private industry for
indigenous development, production and supply of
requisite items.