(a) the details of defence production projects which have suffered inordinate delay due to imposition of sanctions by the USA following the N-tests of May, 1998;
(b) the steps being taken to complete the same and the revised target dates fixed for their completion; and
(c) the sanctions still remain in force which affect the projects?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI GEORGE FERNANDES)
(a) & (b): Following projects suffered inordinate delays:
(1) ALH Project: The engine selected for ALH was from M/s LHTECH, USA but it was not supplied. Subsequent developments necessitated a change in the specifications for which an alternate vendor from another country was selected. The development of this engine is likely to be completed by mid 2005. The same vendor is supplying engines with lesser specifications for alternate use for immediate requirements.
(2) Refit work on SSK Submarines: The refitment work taken by Mazagon Dock Ltd was affected for want of spares/equipment from various suppliers of US origin. Few items are expected to be received in coming months and the target set for completion of the project is August 2002.
(c) Notifications lifting the sanctions have not been issued.