DRDO head says Tatra trucks are fine

New Delhi, March 31, 2012
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3265845.ece

Contradicting Army Chief Gen. V.K. Singh, DRDO chief V.K. Saraswat on Saturday said Tatra trucks were “outstanding” and there was nothing substandard about the vehicles used as base for launching all important missiles like Prithvi and Agni.

“Tatra truck is an outstanding truck... They have a very good cross country capability and can move at good speeds,” Mr. Saraswat said at a press conference at Defence Expo here.

He was responding when asked about the performance of Tatra trucks in view of the Army Chief’s contention that these vehicles were substandard.

Noting that the launchers of all important missiles like the Prithvi and Agni are based on these trucks, the DRDO chief said the performance of these vehicles “has been good in armed forces and we have no complaints about it.”

Mr. Saraswat said “we will have more of them” if there was any further requirement of these trucks. However, if the government gives direction against using them, the premier research organization will stop doing so.

Asked to comment on the perceived tussle between Defence Minister A.K. Antony and the Army Chief, he said both were good people and should handle their differences, if any, with more caution.

“The harmony within the Defence Ministry with respect to our functioning and image is very important. I give my advise on technical issues but as a citizen of this country, I would say that I have known both the Defence Minister and the Army Chief and both of them are very good people.

“If they have any differences, they should be handled with most cautious approach,” he added.