Network Centric Warfare systems being developed: Pranab

New Delhi, May 17 (UNI) The Defence Research and Development Orgainsation(DRDO) has concluded global tie-ups for its aeronautics/aerospace oriented programmes, the Government said today here.

It also said a number of systems related to 'Network Centric Warfare' were being developed.

''Reputed design-houses, consultants, manufacturing industry abroad have been contracted for certain technologies,'' Defence Minister Pranab Kumar Mukherjee told the Rajya Sabha today.

Interaction with foreign agencies was expected to expedite the development of systems related to the Light Combat Aircraft, he said.

He said the Armed Forces have recognised the potential of 'Network Centric Warfare' and to leverage information superiority for enhancing combat power, a number of systems were being developed.

At the strategic level, fielding of a Tri-Services backbone communication network was being developed by Tri-Services Project Management Organisation.

A Request for Proposal to set up a Defence Communication Network was under finalisation, said Mr Mukherjee.

Replying to a supplementary, he said involvement of foreign companies did not mean that indigenous companies were being overlooked. They will be and were being involved in the defence sector wherever needed. For example, he pointed out that Tatas were already supplying missile platforms.

He invited greater private sector participation in the defence sector, saying it would lighten the government's burden The Defence Minister also sought to allay the Members' fears that involvement of foreign agencies would impact on the security of the country, saying all steps were being taken to address this aspect.

'Technical suppliers cannot overlook their client's security concerns,' he said.

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