Question : PROCUREMENT OF RUSSIAN MISSILES

(a) whether after withdrawal of ‘Sea Eagles’ ship destroyers from the services of British Royal Air Force and Navy the talks are now being held by the Government of India for the procurement of Russian Missiles instead of this missile;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the specification of both these missiles;

(c) whether the Government of India are contemplating to send our defence personnel there to seek training in regard to technology (Maintenanc

(e) of these missiles; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI GEORGE FERNANDES)

(a) to (d): The Navy continue to hold Sea Eagle Missiles acquired from UK in its inventory. The Navy have however, approached the Russians for supply of Air-to-Surface Missiles (ASM) to improve its operational and strike capability. The aspect of training technical naval personnel in the maintenance of the missiles yet to be acquired from Russia, will inter-alia get incorporated in the procurement contract.