New Delhi: The government has finalised a
proposal worth Rs 10,947 crore to upgrade the entire fleet of
51 Mirage-2000 fighter aircraft in the Indian Air Force (IAF).
"The proposal for upgrade of Mirage-2000 aircraft
fleet of IAF has been finalised. The proposal envisages
upgradation of first two aircraft in France by Thales and
Dassault aviation in France," Defence Minister A K Antony
told the Rajya Sabha today.
"Subsequent upgrade of balance aircraft will take
place in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore.
The upgrade will enhance avionics as well as weapons delivery
capability of the aircraft. The upgrade is expected to be
completed within a period of ten years," he said.
Replying to another question on procurement of high
speed boats for the Sagar Prahari Bal, the Minister said a
contract for acquisition of 15 fast interceptor craft (FIC)
was concluded in March last year.
"Three of these FICs have been delivered in May, 2011.
Delivery of next three FIC is scheduled in September this
year. Delivery of remaining FIC is scheduled to be completed
by 2012," he said.
A proposal for procurement of 80 FICs is being
progressed in accordance with the provisions of Defence
Procurement Procedure (DPP), Antony said.
On DRDO`s integrated thermally regulated shelters for
soldiers, he said, "Two ITRS have been constructed at Leh and
handed over to Army."
PTI
