Published: 17th January 2018 The New Indian Express
The flip-flop over the purchase of Spike anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) from Israel is symptomatic of a larger battle between Make in India proponents and those who argue that waiting for the wheel to be reinvented makes no strategic sense. Particularly when the reinvention involves the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), renowned for its inordinate delays. In October 2014, months after the Modi government came to power, India’s Defence Acquisition Council cleared the purchase of at least 8,000 Spike missiles and more than 300 launchers. Just before Modi’s historic visit to Israel, the deal was finally firmed up, much to the disappointment of the US, which was lobbying to sell Raytheon-Lockheed Martin’s Javelin ATGM—some argue it’s a better weapon. The Israeli ATGMs were to be co-produced in collaboration with Bharat Forge’s Kalyani Strategic Systems in Hyderabad.
Then, barely days after Modi’s return from Israel, rumours surfaced about the deal being scrapped in favour of indigenous production of the MP-ATGM, a derivative of the Nag missile. Days before the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to India, Rafael admitted India had indeed cancelled talks to close the deal. This led to howls of protest from the Indian Army, with Army Chief General Bipin Rawat pointing out that the DRDO missiles would not be ready till 2022, which would impact India’s operational capabilities at a time when both its western and northern borders were heating up.
Now it appears that New Delhi might execute part of the terminated tender by directly importing 5,500-odd missiles and 275 launchers via an inter-governmental agreement, instead of a commercial deal with Rafael. India needs to get over its dependence on imported weapons, which constitute almost 70 per cent of its inventory at the moment. But last-minute scrapping and reworking of deals not only undermine our credibility in the defence market, they also highlight the lack of a think-through by our defence ministry.
One of the bright upcoming scientist was short cut by a particular language community. They want locally made engine to be used in Rustom aeroplane made by a auto manufacturer who is known for SUV four wheelers. But, this young scientist with high technical credentials refused to use local car engine for high tech UAV.
Obviously, particular language group thrown him and now, trying to develop local vendor from their south India. Great DRDO Make in India.
Prabhuji, ADE will see more purging of top scientists of particular linguistic group. I think one more Padma scientist who was removed from another project just before 10 days trials unceremoniously and his efforts which resulted in the success of flight trials was attributed another linguistic scientists group. There will be 3 more transfer punishments which all will be in public interest to serve vested interest of present Secretary who is desperate to get one more extension. And next DG Aero as well Director of CABS both will be from CABS and Secretary will go happily safeguarding his ill earned wealth since both male and female duo from CABS will take care of him. Only Modiji can save DRDO since present God is against Hindus.
There’s a successful potential product developed by ADE, namely Abhyas low speed target missile. Many big time production firms are ready to take up the productionisation of Abhyas. However, it is curious about this project not being pursued rigorously. This product has potential of saving millions of foreign exchange in terms import substitution as well as export capabilities. But, there is systematic attempts to eliminate or demoralise bright scientists from ADE. Someone should investigate roles played by two top persons of DRDO HQ in such cases. Whom they are trying to push take over ADE next year. Some big power game is played.
It appears the leader of Centre Already Booked for She Virtuous is collecting data like how much import substitution done, how many DRDO developed systems are inducted into the Armed forces, and how much foreign exchange saved to the country. Thereby, he is trying to impress upon top brass that he has been contributing to the nation and try to get extension.
However, fact is that all the inducted systems are the outcome through the efforts of previous leaders and this gentleman has nothing to show except cooked up data and fabricated numbers.
His own lab is not performing except power politics in lines of caste and linguistic. He is just enjoying and on the path of vindictive R&D, and through his base activities he vitiated the scientific environment of DRDO.
everybody making money through limited tender and enjoy the scientific life . without corruption scientist not develop the corrupt product
The intentions of the government in the ” Make in India” program is commendable. The present Chairman of DRDO, Selvan Christopher, is trying to sell himself through the media by publishing news material which is not true. He is trying to get extension by publishing such news articles. His ch
Nirbhay is à great missile with lot of promise. However, an ineffective Director with no technical knowledge and project management are making things bad for the project. He will be retiring shortly but has already resigned to the wicked clutches of the Chairman DRDO. His entry and exit to ADE is at his will and wish, no discipline.
DG ( Aero ) is also a useless character who will retire in two months. However, he has already retired.