Shortage of Aircraft in Navy
	16:37 IST

/LOK SABHA/ The Indian Navy is facing shortage of Sea Harrier aircraft. The ongoing upgrade of Sea Harrier programme has also temporarily affected the availability of the aircraft. Contract for the limited upgrade of Sea Harrier aircraft was concluded with M/s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in March 2005 at a cost of Rs. 476.69 crore. The upgradation programme is expected to be completed by 2009. This information was given by Defence Minister Shri A K Antony in a written reply to Shri Sugrib Singh in Lok Sabha today. samir / VK