Question : DELAYED PROJECTS OF DRDO

(a) whether the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has failed to fulfill the requirements of its consumers in the country ;

(b) if so, the details of various type of missile/tank programmes of DRDO delayed ;

(c) whether the Government proposes to review the working of DRDO ;

(d) if so, the details in this regard ;

(e) whether the Government proposes to involve private sector companies to undertake defence projects in collaboration with DRDO;

(f) if so, the details thereof; and

(g) the steps taken by the Government to ensure the preparedness of the Armed Forces and to increase the efficiency in DRDO ?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)

(a) & (b): No, Sir. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) had equipped Services with state-of-the-art technologies in the field of electronic warfare, radars, communication, missiles, combat aircrafts, combat vehicles, naval systems, composite materials, etc. Delay in the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) and MBT Arjun Tank was due to genuine technical difficulties, production constraint in industry, sanctions leading to additional tasks, etc. But, finally Armed Forces acquired the state-of-the-art MBT Arjun tank and missiles like Prithvi-I, Prthvi-II, Agni-I, Agni-II, Dhanush (Naval version of Prithvi), etc. through these projects.

(c)No, Sir. There is no immediate proposal in this regard.

(d)Does not arise.

(e) to (g): Yes, Sir. As per “MAKE” category proposed by the Government in Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP)-2006, private sector companies will be involved including in Research and Development projects.