Govt admits 6 Navy personnel died in INS Jalashwa on Feb 1

New Delhi, Mar 3 (UNI) Six Indian Navy personnel died in the INS Jalashwa on February 1 after inhalation of toxic gas, the Government informed the Lok Sabha today.

In a written reply, Defence Minister A K Antony said these personnel were on board the ship and a Board of inquiry has been convened in the matter.

Responding to another question, the Defence Minister said the Government has acquired the Landing Platform Dock (LPD), USS Trenton and UH-3H helicopters from the US Government. These were commissioned into the Indian Navy in June, 2007 as INS Jalashwa.

The Government has also signed a Letters of Offer and Acceptance for the procurement of Weapons and equipment required by the Special forces of the Indian Army and for six c-130J-30 aircraft for the Indian Air Force.

In response to another question, Mr Antony confirmed that the Indian Navy is facing shortage of Sea Harrier aircraft. He said the ongoing upgradation of Sea Harrier programme has also temporarily affected the availability of the aircraft.

He said the contract for the limited upgrade of Sea Harrier aircraft was concluded with Ms Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in March 2005 at a cost of Rs 476.69 crores.

The upgradation programme is expected to be completed by 2009, he added.

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