(a) the total number of aircraft including MIG and helicopters crashed during the last three years and the current year along with the total loss of lives and property in such accidents;
(b) whether procurement of new helicopters for Army and Indian Air Force from abroad has been delayed and scrapped several times in the recent past;
(c) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to phase out old and outdated helicopters as well as provide modern technology helicopters / fighter planes to the defence Forces in order to prevent such accidents? |
| ANSWER |
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR)
(a) During the last three years (2011-12, 2012-13 & 2013-14) and the current year 2014-15 (upto 25.2.2015), a total of 28 defence aircraft including 14 MIG aircraft have crashed. Further, a total of 14 defence helicopters have crashed during this period. 42 lives were lost in these accidents
(as per details annexed). The loss to the Govern- ment in terms of value of aircraft and service property, in respect of 26 accidents assessed so far is estimated at Rs.1127.37 crore.
(b) & (c): Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in its meeting held in August 2014 has decided that in order to balance the important issues of urgency and countrys strategic interests, the total require- ment of new helicopters for the Army and Indian Air Force will be met by procuring the immediate requirement of helicopters and domestically manufacturing the balance requirement.
(d) Phasing out of helicopters / fighter aircraft and their replacement with new generation aircraft depends upon the national security / strategic objectives and operational require- ments of the defence forces and are reviewed by the Government from time to time. This is a continuous process. |
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