Revised DPP 2008 to induce indigenisation, bring about Transparency says Indian Defence Minister
Defence Minister A K Antony at the inauguration of the “International Technology Seminar on Future Infantry Combat Vehicle and Future Main Battle Tank” said that “a revised DPP 2008 is being released shortly that will reflect our commitment to transparency as well as encouragement to indigenous industry.”
In an apparent snub to a section of the organisers, the Defence Minister said “The Indian Defence industry has matured and gained considerable expertise in productionizing front line equipment, and can be compared to some of the established defence industries the world over.” Some personnel from Indian Army have organised it in order to delay the induction of Arjun Tank which has more than proven its competence and personnel hostile to the project are left without excuses.
Defence Minister also said that “we need to develop and master key technologies in our quest for self reliance. To this end, our domestic R&D needs to be carefully nurtured and exploited in both the public and private sector. It would be desirable to ensure that the available capability, infrastructure and resources including intellectual capital amongst our IITs, Academia and other institutions are harnessed and optimally utilized in developing critical technologies in our goal towards self-reliance. A strong, healthy, and mutually beneficial partnership between public and private sector will be critical in delivering the defence capability and in sustaining a powerful domestic industrial base for the future.”
“International Technology Seminar on Future Infantry Combat Vehicle and Future Main Battle Tank” has a background where of Indian Army personnel have stated that 124 Arjun MBT’s will be inducted and not more. At the same time certain analysts from Russia are writing in Russian newspaper on expected joint venture between India and Russia to jointly develop a future tank. The seminar is expected to recycle the 1990’s concept of Russian tank dubbed T-95 or Black Eagle as Future MBT.
Defence Minister also advocated joint ventures for co-development and co-production of defence equipment. He said “It is a known fact that no country can develop and manufacture all items of equipment and sub systems on their own. We are in an era of inter-dependence. As we look ahead, formation of joint ventures for co-development and co-production of defence equipment for the purpose of cost effective production in India, both for indigenous requirements and for export is a very viable option, which should be exploited.”
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