Long-term plan to indigenously manufacture all major defence equipment'

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Long-term plan to indigenously manufacture all major defence equipment'​

TNN, Mar 21, 2010, 03.50am IST

CHENNAI: Vice-Chief of Army Staff Lt General P C Bharadwaj on Saturday said India had a long-term plan to indigenously manufacture all major defence equipment used in combat zones as part of its modernisation programme.

"Modernisation is a very high priority matter. We are looking up to 2027. All the services (Army, Navy and Airforce) have drawn up their plans," Bharadwaj told reporters on the sidelines of the passing out parade at Officers Training Academy. He said India has progressed in a big way in making indigenous defence equipment like Brahmos supersonic cruise missile and said a lot of technical equipment used in battle is being produced indigenously.

When asked about the permanent commissioning of women officers, he said it was an ongoing process. "We look at great expansion in the Indian Army for very talented young women," he said. To a question on Sukhna land scam in which retired Lt General Avadhesh Prakash is facing a court martial, he said the matter is subjudice but added that "the Army is an establishment which lives on discipline. If we even see the smallest aberration, we take action immediately to investigate it and rectify it. We accept no dilution of standards."

Addressing graduate OTA cadets, Bharadwaj said young army officers needed to respond to the present-day environment, which was one of unprecendented complexity, ambiguity, informational overload and rapid organisational change. "The present battle conditions demand a soldier who is efficient and modern in thinking and functioning. Be it the conventional war or proxy war where most of you will find your immediate assignment and you will also learn to fully understand these complexities and challenges of modern warfare," the Army vice-chief said.

Stating that Indian army has a formidable image at home and abroad for its professionalism, patriotism and discipline, he said "our Army is admired for exemplary service it has rendered, be it external or internal challenges, peacekeeping operations or while providing relief and rehabilitation."

Long-term plan to indigenously manufacture all major defence equipment' - Chennai - City - The Times of India

 

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