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'Made-in-India surface-to-air missiles failed tests'

The missile systems were indigenously manufactured and delivered late to the six IAF stations between April 2014 and June 2015, but are yet to be installed.

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Thirty per cent of the surface-to-air missiles Akash, made with an aim to bring down Chinese jets, have failed tests and the systems are yet to be installed at six Indian Air Force (IAF) stations for over two years even after the IAF ended up paying Rs 3,600 crore. This finding of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) bring out the various faults in the systems.

The missile systems were indigenously manufactured and delivered late to the six IAF stations between April 2014 and June 2015, but are yet to be installed.

"The missiles fell short of the target, had lower than the required velocity, and certain critical units also malfunctioned," the CAG report says.

It comes as a setback to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' initiative, aimed at boosting indigenous production even in the defence sector, thus reducing imports.

"Two missiles had failed to take off because the booster nozzle had failed. These deficiencies posed an operational risk during hostilities," the report adds.

"The strategic missile systems delivered by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) were deficient in quality. Out of 80 missiles received till November 2014, 20 missiles were test-fired during April-November, 2014. Six of these missiles, i.e. 30 per cent, failed the test," the CAG report says.

The main reason for the delay in the installation of the missile systems, procured at Rs 3,619.25 crore from BEL, was a delay in the execution of civil works at the sites.

Raising serious concerns on the quality of the missile the CAG has said that reconnaissance and Surveillance capability has been affected due to delay in construction of support and maintenance facilities at Air Force Stations.

As per the contract strategic missile system was to be delivered progressively within 60 months (i.e. during June 2013 to December 2015).

These were received at six AF stations between April 2014 and June 2016, after delay of 06 to 18 months from the scheduled date.

The CAG also highlighted the shortage of autopilots with the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Against requirement of 108 autopilots projected by IAF in 1997 for 108 Jaguar aircraft, only 35 autopilots were procured between 2006 and 2008.

"Repeat contract for 95 autopilots could be concluded only by March 2014. Out of 35 autopilots procured earlier, only 18 autopilots could be integrated on the Jaguar aircraft as of March 2017," the CAG said.

The CAG also raised questions on the sub optimal functioning due to malfunctioning of their vital component i.e. Auto Pilot Electronic Unit (APEU). 30 autopilots received through the repeat contract are yet to be integrated. Thus, the flying aid capability envisaged by IAF for the Jaguar Aircraft in 1997 remains largely unrealised even after 20 years.

Works delayed

The main reason for a delay in the installation of the Akash missile systems, procured at Rs 3,619.25 crore from BEL, was a delay in the execution of civil works at the sites. 

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