As part of the continuing efforts to foster closer Indo-US ties, think tanks of both the countries have teamed up for regular interaction. Such interaction, among other things does contribute to foster closer Indo-US military ties.

The National Defence University of the US and the Delhi based institute of Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA) have evoled an institutionalised mechanism to further the ties.

The IDSA Director visited the US in April, last for an academic dialogue on security-related matters. Such dialogue was part of an ongoing process, and such visits would help both countries to gain a better understanding of each other’s security perspectives.

This information was given by the Defence Minister Mr George Fernandes in a written reply to Mr K Natwar Singh and Dr T Subbarami Reddy in Rajya Sabha.

The government did not sanction any project for development and production of landmines between 1984 and 1992. In 1984, a project for swimout mines for Navy for activation range of 20 km was sanctioned. However, the developed mine was able to achieve only 14 km range of activation.

This information was given by the Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes in a written reply to Mr Ramachandra Khuntia in Rajya Sabha.

A contract has been signed for supply of Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARV) from Poland. The Bharat Earth Movers Ltd., a Defence Public Sector Undertaking, has acquired transfer of technology from the Polish Company for assembly of these vehicles.

This information was given by the Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes in a written reply to Mrs Savita Sharda in Rajya Sabha.

The committee constituted to examine the merger of Indian Defence Estate Service witht the Military Engineering Service has not finalised its findings. The government has postponed elections in all cantonment boards. No time frame has been fixed for holding of these elections.

This information was given by the Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes in a written reply to Mr CP Thirunavukkarasu in Rajya Sabha.

There is no improvement in the cross-border terrorism abetted by Pakistan. Accordingly, the Government of India decided that in order to meet any exigency, it would be in the interest of the nation to continue the deployment of troops on the border. Every effort is being made to ensure that troops in Rajasthan do not face any hardship related to shortages of water and sanitation.

This information was given by the Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes in a written reply to Mr Amar Singh in Rajya Sabha.

India and Russia have undertaken the design and development of the most advanced supersonic cruise missile Brahmos under a joint venture company. The first flight test took place on June 12, last year and another successful flight was conducted on April 28 this year. The development flight trials will be further progressed during this year and next year. The production will commence by end of next year for induction in the 2004.

This information was given by the Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes in a written reply to Mrs Vanga Geetha in Rajya Sabha.

The project for development of Weapon Locating Radar has been taken up in April, this year. It would be a joint development by Defence Research and Development Organisation and Bharat Electronics Limited.

The development of this vehicle mounted radar is based on the technologies developed for Rajendra radar. The cost of the project is Rs 20 crore. The probable date of completion of the project is 40 months. Induction into the Army may take another 12 months. The stage has not yet reached to take a decision on the export of this radar.

This information was given by the Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes in a written reply to Mr CN Singh and Mr Sadashivrao Dadoba Mandlik in Lok Sabha.

The relatives of Indian Prisoners of War (POWs) have suggested the government that all possible steps be considered for ensuring location, release and repatriation of these POWs from Pakistan jails.

The government has taken all possible steps including consistently taking up the issue of release and repatriation of missing Indian defence personnel with the Government of Pakistan at all levels. However, the government of Pakistan has however, never acknowledged their presence in its custody. The government would continue to take up the issue with Pakistan Government to secure their early release and repatriation.

This information was given by the Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes in a written reply to Mr Nana Deshmukh in Rajya Sabha.

The government has signed two contracts with a Russian firm for the acquisition of nine special purpose helicopters to equip the Navy with the Airborne Early Warning (AEW) capability. These helicopters were evaluated by a Naval team in 1996 and were found to meet the Naval Staff Qualitative Requirements (NSQRs). The radar has contemporary features. The price and other terms and conditions were negotiated by the duly constituted Price Negotitation Committees before the contracts were signed.

The case has been examined by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). While making certain observations in regard to the procedure followed, CVC has decided not to pursue the case further.

This information was given by the Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes in a written reply to Mr Raghunath Jha and Mr Ramjee Manjhi in Lok Sabha.

The ex-servicemen, their familis and families of deceased Service personnel drawing pension of any kind are entitled to free out-patient treatment in 127 Military Hospitals (109 Army, 11 Air Force and 7 Navy Hospitals) and over 1000 Medical Inspection Rooms as per the provisions of the Regulations for the Medical Services for the Armed Forces 1983 (RMSAF-1983) However, ex-servicemen are provided in-patient treatment in Military Hospitals subject to the availability of beds. These facilities can be availed only by those who live in proximity. Others, on the recommendations of the 5th Pay Commission, may opt to receive a fixed medical allowance of Rs 100 per month for meeting expenditure on day-to-day medical expenses. The scope of these concessions, however, does not include treatment of cancer pulmonary tuberculosis, leprosy, mental disorders, malignant disease or any other disease for which the treatment is not available from local military sources.

Representations have been received from various ex-servicemen organisations/individuals to provide adequate medicare at par with central government civilian pensioners. A proposal to provide comprehensive medicare to ex-servicemen and their dependants is under active consideration of the government.

This information was given by the Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes in a written reply to Col (Retd) Sona Ram Choudhary in Lok Sabha.

The Indian and American Navies have been jointly patrolling the Malacca Strait. This joint patrolling to guard high value assets is being carried out on the basis of a request from the United States.

This information was given by the Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes in a written reply to Mr Ambasreesha in Lok Sabha.

The technical feasibility studies for construction of underground tunnel at Rohtang have been completed. M/s Rites has been asked to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and the Environmental Impact Study Report. Action is being taken to start the work of construction of approach roads to north and south portals of the tunnel. The construction of tunnel will commence after the project is cleared by the Planning Commission and the investment decision is taken. There is no proposal of cost sharing with the state government.

This information was given by the Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes in a written reply to Dr (Mrs) C Suguna Kumari in Lok Sabha.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been using various kinds of aircraft to impart training to its fighter pilots. Many of these aircraft are completing their total technical life in the near future. Hence, the government is planning to procure an advanced jet trainer.

The IAF is utilising Iskra and Kiran aircraft as lead in fighter training aircraft before training on MiG-21.

This information was given by the Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes in a written reply to Mr Dalpat Singh Parste in Lok Sabha.

A committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of Special Secretary in the Ministry of Defence for restructuring the officers cadre in Army, with the primary aim of reduction of age profile of Commanders and other issues related. The committee is yet to submit its report.

This information was given by the Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes in a written reply to Mr TM Selvaganapathi in Lok Sabha.