India's DRDO wants say in procurements

NEW DELHI, March 22 (UPI) -- India's Defense Research and Development Organization says it wants to take part in the development of procurement policies.

In the course of seeking more funds for research and development, DRDO expressed concerns that its indigenous weapon programs are at risk from substandard manufactured supplies from defense public sector undertakings and in Ordnance Factory Board production.

DRDO maintains shoddy DPSU and OFB products are undercutting the quality of its manufactures, citing as an example the Arjun tank, which last year outperformed the Russian T-90 tank in army trials but subsequently disappointed the frontline combat units who received them from the Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi. The reason cited for the Arjun's sub-par performance was poor manufacture and ineffective quality control, The Business Standard reported Thursday.

DRDO chief V.K. Saraswat is seeking the direct intervention of Defense Minister A.K. Antony and stated: "DRDO is mandated to develop prototypes and then hand over to production agencies for large-scale manufacture. But we have realized that a substantial amount of handholding is required in the post-development phase. DRDO would like to play a lead role in the selection of production partners and the lead integrator for production of DRDO-developed products, so as to ensure seamless transfer of technology, manufacture and product support."