India to be self-reliant in tactical missiles front by 2020
Union minister, M. Venkaiah Naidu along with Avinash Chander (second from left), scientific adviser to the defence ministry, at the International Conference on Advanced Avionics organised at RCI Hyderabad. (Photo: DC/File)
Hyderabad:Dr Avinash Chander, the Defence Research and Development Organisation chief, said the BJP government at the Centre had been extremely supportive of the defence body and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Chalta hai” remark during the recent DRDO awards ceremony had been taken out of context. He added that several projects had been fast tracked by the Centre.
He also said that the year 2020 had been set as a target to become self-reliant on the tactical missiles front. Tests for the BVR air-to-air missile Astra, from Sukhoi fighter jet, are expected to be conducted in November 2014. Dr Chander added that the second launch of the nuclear-capable cruise missile, Nirbhay, would be carried out within a month.
DRDO was reportedly criticised by the PM for laggardness and failure in meeting targets. Mr Modi had reportedly said that the “chalta hai” attitude of the DRDO would not work. However, Dr Chander said, “The comment was taken out of context. We have posted the video of the PM and defence minister’s speeches on our Website.”
“We are already self-sufficient in strategic missiles. There are no imports in strategic missiles. But in tactical missiles, we are aiming to stop imports by 2020. Also at least 5 different missiles will be launched in the next five years” he said.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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