6th March, 2003
Ministry of Defence  


ACQUIRING OF AUTO-PILOT SYSTEM


LOK SABHA

The attention of the Government has been drawn to the news-item captioned, "Auto Pilot System : Indian Air Force upgradation projection hangs fire" appearing in the Indian Express dated Feb 05, 2003.

Report No. 8 of 2002 of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has pointed out delay in procurement of Auto Pilot System.

A contract was signed for procurement of a suitable Auto Pilot system in 1999. This could not be implemented in practical terms due to non-availability of adequate space for the Auto Pilot Electronic Unit (APEU) in the aircraft. Suitable reconfiguration and certification by the Original Equipment Manufacturer is required for the installation of the APEU. The price negotiation for the procurement of Auto Pilot has been concluded and a supplement to the previous contract will be signed shortly.

In regard to the Jaguar upgradation programme, the price negotiation has been completed and Government has approved the upgradation programme by Hindustan Aeronautic Limited at the negotiated cost. Action is being taken to negotiate and conclude the contract with HAL.

This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written reply to Shri Raghunath Jha and Shri Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi in Lok Sabha today.