High priority for Agni's next phase: Mulayam

The Indian government will accord 'high priority' to the next phase of the 2,500-kilometre intermediate range Agni missile programme, Defence Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav informed the Rajya Sabha.

The programme's re-entry technology, as proved by three test flights, has been successfully completed. The final test was carried out on February 19, 1994.

The government is also planning an integrated anti-missile programme, said Minister of State for Defence N V N Somu.

Mulayam Singh said the government was not reconsidering changes in India's nuclear technology for defence. He said he was aware of the international efforts to tighten ad hoc export control regimes for missile-related technology.

Somu said the indigenous advanced experimental torpedo had reached the final stage of development. The AETs technical trials had already been successfully completed and its user trials are scheduled for October, 1997. It is expected to be inducted into the navy by 1999.

Similarly, the army is expected to induct the Arjun tank during the ninth five year plan. Its modified version has successfully undergone the user trial test.

Somu said the Indian Air Force has been experiencing a shortage of spares for combat aircraft and specialist support vehicles and equipment.

The IAF has lost 100 aircraft since April, 1993, including MIG variants and helicopters. The total loss in monetary terms amount to Rs 7.76 billion, the minister said.

UNI