MoD creating environment for indigenisation of defence equipment: Antony

NEW DELHI - Defence Minister AK Antony on Tuesday said the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is making all efforts to create an environment for speedy indigenisation of defence systems and platforms.

“Certain policy decisions are on the anvil to give a big boost to the Defence Industry and for the production of futuristic weapon systems within the country,” said Antony, while speaking at a meeting of the Consultative Committee attached to his Ministry here today.

The meeting reviewed the performance of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The Defence Minister in his opening remarks said, since its establishment in 1958, DRDO has played a prominent role in strengthening the country’s defence preparedness.

“It has developed cutting edge technologies, strategic and tactical defence systems and developed a dedicated pool of scientific talent as our national asset. “DRDO- developed MBT Arjun is being manufactured at Avadi and in the final phase of delivery of 124 tanks. Army wants to have 124 more tanks of Mark-II of Arjun,” said Antony.

DRDO is now developing futuristic MBT to meet the requirements of our Army. At present, DRDO is working on various projects like Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), aero-engine, electronic warfare systems, long-range and medium-range missiles, early warning systems, NBC, low intensity conflict technologies, radars, armament systems etc.,” he added.

Antony further said the Light Combat Aircraft is approaching the ‘Initial Operational Clearance’ scheduled for next month and for ‘Final Operational Clearance’ by the end of next year.

“Since low-intensity conflicts are likely to be the norm of the future, the commitments of our Armed Forces are likely to increase in the coming years,” he added.

The Members of Parliament, who took part in the discussions, asked DRDO to reduce cost and time overruns for different projects.

They also wanted that the quality and workmanship of small arms to be improved and brought on par with global standards.

Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister, Dr. V.K. Saraswat, while answering a question on the future strategy of DRDO, said: “The Organisation will work whole-heartedly to develop technologies that are denied to us by developed countries. Those which are available will be bought by us and indigenised.”he Members of Parliament, who attended the meeting, included Manish Tiwari, Naveen Jindal, Shivaji Adhalrao Patil, Kailkesh N. Singh Deo, Lalit Mohan Suklabaidya, S.S. Ramasubhu and H. K. Dua. (ANI)