Nine DRDO projects running behind schedule

Nine projects of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) are behind schedule for various reasons, the Lok Sabha was told.
Corrective/remedial measures have been taken to complete the ongoing projects in time, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said in a written reply in the House.
Nine projects which are delayed include Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Phase II, Naval Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Navy), Aero Engine Kaveri, Air Borne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) System, Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM), Helicopter Version Third Generation Anti Tank Guided Missile, Helina, Air-to-Air Missile, Astra, Dual Colour Missile Approach Warning System for Fighter Aircraft, Advanced Light Weight Torpedo.

Parrikar further said there has been a shortage of scientists in DRDO.
"The present policy relating to appointment of scientists in DRDO is functioning effectively. However, there is shortage of scientists in DRDO as there has been no increase of scientific manpwer since 2001 while a number of projects have grown multifold in terms of size and technological complexity over the past 15 years," he said.
DRDO has initiated a cabinet note for augmentation of manpower by 1316 posts (1260 scientists and 56 works cadre officers) and these are proposed to be filled in a phased manner in three recruitment years.