(a) whether several projects concerning production and research of defence related equipment have been
delayed at the DRDO;
(b) if so, the details of such projects, time of completion and cost escalation due to delay; and
(c) the action taken to ensure preparedness of the Armed Forces due to delay in production of vital equipment
by DRDO?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
(SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a)&(b): DRDO had equipped Services with state-of-the-art technologies in the
field of strategic systems, battle tanks, electronic warfare and communication
systems, armour and armaments, life support systems, naval systems,missile
systems, etc.There had been delays in some of the DRDO projects due to some
genuine difficulties like:-
- Technical Complexities.
- Technological embargo/sanctions and various control regimes.
- Non-availability of infrastructure within the country.
- Extended and long lasting user trials.
- Revision of systems specifications during development phase.
DRDO provides assistance and full support to the identified production agency to realize the products at
the earliest.
(c) Government has taken the following concrete steps for timely completion of projects:-
- Ensuring timely review and monitoring for financial and technical progress through multi-tier review mechanisms.
- Adopting technology evaluation and assessment prior to taking up fresh projects.
- Promoting synergy and better coordination among User Services, DRDO and Production Agencies through cluster meetings.
- Adopting `concurrent engineering` and `joint venture` approach for development and production.
- Devising and implementing better project management methods.
- Making provision of private sector participation under `Make` category as per Defence Procurement Procedure - 2006.
- The Armed Forces are kept appraised of the progress of DRDO projects as well as participate in the design and development.