Future Procurements to be tied to transfer of technology:Antony

Bangalore, Feb 7 (UNI) Reiterating the Government's commitment to modernisation of the Armed Forces at a rapid pace, Defence Minister AK Antony today stressed the need to ensure that future procurements were tied to subsequent transfer of technology.

"We don't want to be only buyers...there should be technology transfer also'' we should be involved in design and co-production subsequently", the Minister observed during a media interaction here following the inauguration of the five-day Aero India 2007 International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition.

But, the Minister pointed out, India had ultimately to source its defence requirements indigenously in which the Private Sector had a key role to play. He referred in this regard to the recent major initiatives taken to enhance Public Private Partnership (PPP) in defence.

The biennial event--organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce &Industry (FICCI) in collaboration with the Defence Ministry and the Indian AirForce--earlier got off to a breath-taking start with an almost 90-minute display of aerobatics by IAF Air Warriors in the various flying machines they operate.

Referring to the almost 10 Billion US Dollars-worth of defence equipment to be purchased by India during the Eleventh Plan Period, Minister Antony said the Government had already put in place a new Procurement Policy -- announced last September -- which not only allowed total transparency in all defence deals but also ensured that the country benefitted doubly through offsets in major and mega-contracts.

He further reassured the Armed Forces that the Government would brook no delay in finalisation of defence purchases though, he admitted, the Indian system of procurement was "very time consuming".

"Where ever possible, we'll try to cut down (on decision-making time)-but transparency is important- and our policy is to procure the very best for the Armed Forces-this takes time." In reference to various ongoing research projects with the Defence Research&Development Organisation (DRDO) and suffering prolonged delays, the Defence Minister asserted that all projects including the development of the 'Kaveri' engine for the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft were "all on track".

"There is no question of abandoning the 'Kaveri' project the IAF has also accepted the aircraft being developed the LCA project in very much on track." Meanwhile, the firm request for proposal for supply, and later production in India under licence, of 126 multi-role fighter aircraft for the IAF would be issued "very shortly", the Defence Minister assured.

Perhaps the single largest defence purchase order currently going around globally, the Indian multi-role fighter deal has the world's defence aviation majors lining up at Aero India 2007, since the order is expected to have been decided upon by the time the next edition comes around two years hence.

Attending this Sixth version of the biennial event first held in 1996 are some 500 companies from 33 countries with at least 28 Chiefs of various Air Forces attending in this 75th year--the Platinum Jubilee Year -- of the Indian Air Force.

UNI