IAF chief exhorts to develop Indigenous military hardware

Bangalore, Oct 30 (UNI) Stating that military requirement was the principal catalyst for the development of cutting-edge technology, the Chief of the Air Staff F H Major urged the scientists to focus on developing indigenous military hardware rather than depending heavily on technology transfer, licensed manufacture or joint ventures.

Speaking after participating at the inaugural session of the conference on 'Helicopter Technology'organised by Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies and Industries (SIATI) here today, Chief of Air Staff F H Major said that "the ideal situation in today's world in the controlled regime was self reliance".

Stressing that there is a need to re-affirm our commitment for indigenous approach in the development of military requirements, the Air Chief informed that most of the India's current projects of defence needs were either licensed manufacture or joint ventures, 'this needs to be changed' he said.

Maintaining that Aerospace power has emerged as the core strength of any country in protecting its national interests Mr major informed that it (Aerospace power) has replaced with 'Maritime Power'.

Stressing that after becoming strong 'regional power' India was looking forward to emerge as one of the strongest 'global power' and the development of core and cutting edge technology indigenously would play a key role in achieving it, he said.

Stating that 'achieving and maintaining capability at the regular basis was not an option but a requirement' Mr Major exhorted the planners to harness the enormous talent which was available in the country to build a strong 'Aerospace' to protect nation's interests.

Appreciating the engineers and staff of HAL for developing the world class and Advanced Light Helicopter for both defence and civilian needs, Air Chief also exhorted them to augment more in the areas of Avionics and control systems. He also called upon to give focus on developing micro rotary UAV's.

Air Chief also released a book on ALH Dhruv brought out by SIATI on the occasion.

HAL Chairman Ashok Baweja, who also spoke on the occasion has informed that there was a spurt in the demand for Helicopters in the country for both Military and Civilien needs. The economic boom has also contributed for the increased demand for helicopter service which comes handy in time of disaster management, rescue operations, tourism and medical sector. "Civilian Helicopter Market primarily being served by overseas operators presently in the country" he said.

Stating that India has achieved self reliance in terms of design, manufacture, and maintainance of helicopter but lacks in reaching it to critical masses. Opinioning that there was a tremendous potential for the application of Helicopters in health sector Mr Baweja felt that there is a need to rope-in Insurance companies to popularaise it.

UNI