(a) whether the Integrated Radio Communication System (INCOM) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) does not meet the requirement of jam-resistant and secure radio sets and if so, the details thereof;
(b) the expenditure incurred on the INCOM sets developed by the HAL;
(c) whether the IAF has accepted the deliveries in spite of defects and non-usability of the equipment and if so, the details thereof, along with the reasons therefor;
(d) whether the Government proposes to replace or redesign these radio sets and penalize the HAL; and
(e) if so, the details thereof? |
| ANSWER |
MINISTER OF STATE (RAO INDERJIT SINGH) IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
(a) Integrated Radio Communication set (INCOM) was required to operate in four modes viz.,
(i) Conventional mode,
(ii) Secure mode,
(iii) Jam-resistant mode and
(iv) Secure + Jam-resistant mode. The INCOM set first time designed & developed by HAL in India was based on operational requirement. These sets operated satisfactorily for conventional mode. Currently, these systems are in use by various aircraft platforms of IAF.
(b) An expenditure of Rs.10.14 crore was incurred on development of INCOM.
(c) IAF accepted these sets in conventional mode to meet the urgent operational requirements to replace radio sets in many fleets.
(d) & (e): IAF is proposing to replace the INCOM system with Software Defined Radio systems (SDRs) in a phased manner.
Phase-1 of the programme is ongoing under a global RFP for which HAL is the integration partner for the acquisition planned from Rafael, Israel.
For Phase-2, HAL has initiated design and development of indigenous SDR system which is presently under trials. These SDRs will be Jam-resistant with secure features. |
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