Question : PROCUREMENT OF LCA

(a) whether the Indian Air Force is reluctant to place orders for Light Combat Aircrafts on Hindustan Aeronautics Limited as reported in ‘The Hindu’ dated July 10, 2005;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Aeronautical Development Agency has not yet transferred the technology to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited resulting in delays in manufacture of LCA; and

(d) if so, the measures taken to improve co-ordination and better working of these premier institutions of the country?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE)

(a) No, Sir.

(b) In view of reply to part (a) above, the question does not arise.

(c) & (d): Transfer of technology to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for productionisation of the Light Combat Aircraft is progressing in coordination with Aeronautical Development Agency and there are no problems in this regard.