Contracts & Key Events Update:
Aug 9/10:
Indian Commodore Sukhjinder Singh, who was a key person in the Gorshkov refit program from 2005-2009, has reportedly handed in his resignation after reports of his illicit affair with a Russian woman (vid. April 12/10 entry). The inquiry by Indian naval HQ established the relationship with the woman, but ruled out court martial as they couldnt establish the womans status as an agent, or anything untoward beyond a romantic relationship.
The findings of the Board of Inquiry will have to be acted upon by chief of naval staff Admiral Nirmal Verma, who must also decide whether and how to accept the Commodores resignation. On the bright side, at least he didnt hire Jodie Fisher. See: DNA India.
Aug 3/10:
A CAG report says that Indian naval aviation has suffered in recent years, and the current state of the Sea Harrier fleet makes it clear that on-time induction of MiG-29Ks into the fleet will be critical. Read Indias Sea Harrier Shortage for more.
April 12/10:
The inquiry against Commodore Sukhjinder Singh has established his `amorous relationship with a Russian woman, and Indias naval brass are considering punishments. Meanwhile, he has been relieved of his current posting in the defence ministrys directorate-general of quality assurance.
Singh oversaw the Gorshkov refit project in Russia from 2005-2007, and was the projects principal director in India from 2007-2009. That gave him no role in price negotiations, but there is more than casual concern that he may have been honey trapped by an FSB agent to give details of Indias negotiating position. Explicit photographs with this russian woman surfaced recently in the media, and formed part of the clinching evidence in the just-concluded naval Board of Inquiry (BoI).
Defence minister A K Antony said that Nothing beyond [a romantic relationship] has been proved so far. I do not want to jump the gun. I have asked Navy to finish (the inquiry report) as quickly as possible. I do not want to draw any conclusions prematurely. Once the Navy completes everything, we will take a decision. Current Affairs (incl. Times Now video) | DNA India | India Server | India TV | Kalyugikalki | The Times of India | Hindustan Times.
INS Vikramaditya: Waiting for Gorshkov…