Achievements And Initiatives Of Ministry Of Defence In The Last Two Years
 
(Source : India Press Information Bureau ; issued Oct. 15, 2001)
 
 
 **The recommendations of the Group of Ministers constituted by the Government on April 17, 2000 to thoroughly review the national security system in its entirety have been approved by the Government on May 11, 2001 with the modification that a view on the recommendation relating to the institution of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) will be taken after consultations with various political parties. The implementation of the recommendation of the CDS has already commenced.

To ensure that the recommendations are implemented in a time bound manner, the Government is closely monitoring the process. The approved recommendations include establishment of (i) a Defence Procurement Board (ii) a Defence Intelligence Agency (iii) a National Defence University (iv) Andaman & Nicobar Command (v) Strategic Forces Command (vi) Integrated Headquarters in the Ministry of Defence (vii) Enhanced delegation of administrative powers to Integrated headquarters.


**On June 12, 2001, Defence Scientists successfully flight-tested the Supersonic Cruise Missile BRAHMOS jointly developed by India and Russia from the Interim Test Range, Chandipur, Orissa. With a 280 km range and Supersonic Cruise capability, this missile is the first of its kind in the world. BRAHMOS incorporates the most advanced technologies and is intended to enhance the effectiveness of both the Indian and Russian Armed Forces. This system is capable of being launched from a variety of platforms such as mobile launchers, ships, submarines & aircraft.


**The maiden flight of the first Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Technology Demonstrator-I was carried out in Bangalore on January 4, 2001. The flight was successful and it met all the test parameters. This is a significant landmark in the LCA project.


**The Defence Industry sector is now open for private sector participation up to 100 per cent equity, with Foreign Direct Investment component being permissible up to 26 per cent subject to licensing. This was considered necessary in order to achieve self-reliance in defence production sector. The private sector has demonstrated its capabilities in various defence related fields and hence their technical and managerial resources will be harnessed. Opening of this sector to private participation is expected to reduce, existing dependence on defence related imports by the infusion of capital and technology.


**The second flight test of AGNI -II long-range surface-to-surface missile was conducted on January 17, 2001 from the Interim Test Range, Chandipur, Orissa in the final operational configuration. AGNI- II is a two stage, all solid motor missile having a range of about 2000 km with a payload weight of one tonne. With the launch of AGNI-II limited production of the missile has commenced and its induction is being planned during 2001-2002.


**India signed a contract with Russia for the procurement of 310 T-90S tanks on March 1, 2001. The T-90S tanks have missile firing and night vision capability besides superior mobility, communication and firepower.


**The Government has decided to lift the ban on employment of agents in defence purchases. A Regulatory mechanism, which would govern the conditions of employment and operations of such agents, will be formulated soon.


**Dhanush the Naval version of Prithvi surface-to-surface missile was successfully launched on September 21, 2001 from Chandipur at sea. The telemetry and tracking network have established that the technology demonstration met its entire mission objective. The Navy will soon operationalise the system.


**The flight trials of the surface-to-air missile Akash were carried out from February 27 to March 5, 2001 at the Interim Test Range, Balassore. With a range of 25 km, Akash is powered by a ramjet engine and has multi-target engagement capability.


**Defexpo India, 99 - the first exhibition on Land and Naval Systems was organized by the Ministry of Defence in New Delhi from October 12 to 16, 1999. Companies from 16 countries participated in the exhibition.


**The Third International Aerospace Exposition- AERO INDIA-2001 was held at Yelahanka Air Force Base Bangalore from February 7 to 11,2001. AERO INDIA2001 highlighted the country's aeronautical prowess and strong software industry base.


**INS Aditya, a 24,612 tonne displacement Fleet Replenishment Tanker constructed indigenously was commissioned into Indian Navy at Kolkata on April 3, 2000.


**Two Hovercraft, H-182 and H-183 were commissioned at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata on September 21, 2001. These Hovercraft are capable of patrolling shallow waters, mud flats, back waters, rivers and marshy land to intercept smugglers, militants, drug and gun runners. This capability gives the craft a unique characteristic of carrying out amphibious operations.


**The 160 km long Tamu-Kalewa-Kaylemyo road on the Indo Myanmar border constructed by the Border Roads Organisation was inaugurated on February 13, 2001. This marked the beginning of a new era of cooperation and friendship between the two countries.


**In July 2001, the Government instituted two awards to honor those who took part in the Kargil operations. Operation Vijay Star will be given to all those armed forces personnel who took part in Kargil conflict. Operation Vijay Medal will be given to military, para military, police and other security force personnel who were involved in planning and executing of the operations. The Prime Minister has asked the Defence Ministry to implement a comprehensive medical scheme for ex-servicemen within three months.


**INS Kursura, a Foxtrot class submarine was decommissioned and inaugurated as a museum in Vishakahapatnam on February 27, 2001. The Submarine Museum is the first of its kind in Asia and is expected to give a boost to the tourism industry.


**The Army Navy and the Air Force played a prominent role in the rescue and relief operations in the wake of the earthquake that hit Gujarat on January 26, 2001.


**The armed forces undertook massive relief and rescue operations for cyclone victims of Orissa in November, 1999.


**India participated in a four-day Defence Service Asia exhibition and conference held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in April 2000.


**Government has approved a long-term approach for series production of submarines in the country in order to meet the Naval requirements.


**For the first time in the country, a war memorial museum will be set up in memory of our martyrs. The museum will be set up in Delhi.


**A large contingent of Indian troops went to Sierra Leone on UN Peace Keeping Mission in December 1999.

-ends-
Print this page Back to the top