At the eighth Aero India International seminar, Antony said, 'Do not think any country in the world, however friendly they are, would like to part with their most modern ‘A’ grade technology. That is the reality'.
Defence minister AK Antony on Monday warned that dependence on foreign vendors for the supply of critical defence technology would result in India having second-rate defence equipment.
At the eighth Aero India International seminar, Antony said, "Do not think any country in the world, however friendly they are, would like to part with their most modern ‘A’ grade technology. That is the reality”.
He added that a foreign country in the name of transfer of technology might pass on technology but was unsure if they would part with the best. “I don’t know the difference between ‘A’,’B’ or ‘C’ grade technology. But I am sure that India is not getting ‘A’ grade technology,” he added.
Calling on the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and other defence production units to develop a strong base of critical technology, he assured that the government will give them full support.
“Until we develop our own strong technological base we cannot say India has come of age. For this to happen, we need large scale participation of universities, research institutions, and stake-holders to work with DRDO,” he said.
Though the defence minister praised DRDO for having crossed some significant milestones in aeronautics over the last two years, he had a word of caution stating that it should be alert on a 24/7 basis.
“Don’t think you have reached the final stage, because technology is changing at a fast pace. Every five years, we have a new trend coming, so you should be alert 24/7 to keep pace with others,” he said.
About the Light Combat Aircraft, Antony was confident that the aircraft would be in full combat strength by the next Aero India show.
“The Air Force wants some more improvements to be incorporated I am sure DRDO will address those concerns,” he said.
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