Question : IMPORT OF MISSILES DURING

(a) whether missiles valued at US $ 12 million imported in January, 1996 could not be tested for their effectiveness for over a period of two years in the absence of proper test facilities which led to expiry of warranty period and the missiles worth Rs. 3.41 cr. became unserviceable;

(b) if so, the facts thereof;

(c) the reasons for importing the missiles when test facilities were not available;

(d) whether any responsibility has been fixed in the matter; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI GEORGE FERNANDES)

(a) to (e): As per contract dated 24th March, 1995 concluded with M/s Roosvourzhenie, Russia quantity 288 nos. of missiles were received in two lots in 1996. The test facilities for the missiles were also imported alongwith the weapon system. These missiles were inspected on receipt. Quantity 10 nos. of missiles worth Rs. 3.2 crores were found defective, which have been replaced by the supplier free of cost. Since the Russians had accepted the quality claim for replacement of the ten missiles found defective, there was no need to fix any responsibility.