November 22, 2001

/LOK SABHA/

        There have been inordinate delays in the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Project and Refit work on SSK Submarines. The engine selected for ALH was from M/s LHTECH, USA but it was not supplied. Subsequent developments necessitated a change in the specifications for which an alternate vendor from another country was selected. The development of this engine is likely to be completed by mid 2005. The same vendor is supplying engines with lesser specifications for alternate use for immediate requirements. As for the refit work on SSK submarines, the refitment work taken by Mazagaon Dock Limited was affected for want of spares/equipment from various suppliers of US origin. Few items are expected to be received in the coming months and the target set for completion of the project is August 2002. Notifications lifting the sanctions have not been issued.