CAG spots weaknesses in missile defence system:

CAG spots weaknesses in missile defence system:

Context

• The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) tabled a report in Parliament stating that the strategic missile system, a medium range supersonic surface to air missile system to counter aerial threats were “deficient in quality”.

The Report

• Over 70% of the under vehicle scanners (UVS) installed at Indian Air Force (IAF) bases were reported non-functional.
• The report also carried that the IL series of aircraft, which provides vital transport support to the IAF during contingencies, “has not been upgraded, and continue to fly with 1985 vintage avionics”.
• The report comes amid increased threat perception to defense installations in the wake of terrorist attack at the Pathankot airbase in January 2016.
• The IAF already in February pinpointed that out of the 57 UVS systems, 52 had been installed and only five were yet to be installed. However, 35 systems still remained in “unserviceable condition”.
• Due to such conditions, the security systems procured at a cost of Rs. 17.09 crore could not be utilized fully for the security of the air bases even after about five years.
• Besides, the security of the air bases could not be enhanced as predicted, according to the reports.
• Strategic missile system is vital for the country’s air defense and deterrence capability.
• Audit also found that the system delivered by Bharat Electricals Limited was deficient in quality.