Indian MoD Comments Various Defence and Security Issues

According to the Indian Press Information Bureau, the following information was given August 22, 2012, by the Indian Minister of Defence, Shri AK Antony, and Minister of State for Defence, Shri MM Pallam Raju, in written replies to members of the Parliament of India:

SECURITY RADAR COVER FOR COASTLINE

A Coastal Surveillance Network consisting of a chain of static radar and electro-optic sensors at 84 remote sites is envisaged all along the coast line including the island territories to detect movement of suspicious vessels. In the first phase 46 radars (36 on main land and 10 in island territories) are being operationalized in clusters. The network is envisaged to be fully functional by middle of next year.

The concerned coastal States are cooperating and providing full assistance for executing the project in time.

BUILDING OF INFRASTRUCTURE ALONG BORDER BY CHINA

Government is regularly monitoring all developments in our neighbourhood which have a bearing on national security. Required measures have been initiated through development of infrastructure and operational capabilities to achieve desired levels of defence preparedness to safeguard the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India.


CYBER ATTACKS ON INDIAN SECURITY SECTOR

Only one instance of attempted hacking on computers belonging to Defence sector has come to notice in the past three years. There were intelligence reports in November 2011 about the probable compromise of computers of Eastern Naval Command based in Visakhapatnam. However, none of these computers were found to be compromised. The Defence Services have a robust defensive mechanism in place.

Section 70A of the Information Technology (Amendment) Act 2008, envisages setting up of a National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) for protecting critical information infrastructure in identified sectors to provide critical infrastructure protection. Steps have been initiated for notifying NCIIPC under the said Act.

FUNDING OF INDIGENOUSLY PRODUCED DEFENCE EQUIPMENTS VIS-A-VIS IMPORTED ONES

The amount spent on Capital acquisition from indigenous and foreign sources during the last three years and the current year is as follows (Rs. in crores):

• 2009-10
- Indigenous: 25920.48
- Foreign: 13411.91

• 2010-11
- Indigenous: 31444.55
- Foreign: 15443.01

• 2011-12
- Indigenous: 27922.7
- Foreign: 24193.83

• 2012-13 (Exp. for the 1st qtr.)
- Indigenous: 5850.9
- Foreign: 5983.93

The accounting system does not separately capture data regarding procurement from Indian private sector companies.

With a view to achieve greater self reliance in Defence production, the Defence Industry was opened up for Indian Private Sector participation in May 2001 with FDI permissible up to 26%, subject to licensing. The 'Make' Procedure was promulgated in 2006 to encourage indigenous development. Government included a categorization 'BUY & MAKE (Indian)' in the Defence Procurement Procedure in November, 2009 to encourage indigenous production. There is also provision for 30% offset obligation in all Capital Acquisitions categorized as Buy (Global) or Buy & Make with ToT where the estimated cost of the acquisition proposal is Rs.300 crore or more. Government has announced the Defence Production Policy in January, 2011 and Joint Venture Policy for DPSUs in February, 2012.

GUARD AGAINST DUBIOUS DEFENCE DEALS

Defence manufacturing units are expected to be transparent in their dealings and follow all the rules and regulations.

The defence industry sector is open upto 100% for Indian private sector participation subject to licensing. Government have also promulgated Joint Venture guidelines underwhich DPSUs can collaborate with the private sector.

Consistent efforts are made to ensure that our defence capabilities match upto external threats. A strong modernization and capacity enhancement programme is currently on in the DPSUs and OFB.