Alappuzha: Defence minister Manohar Parrikar said that the Indian Army which was hitherto perceived to be incompetent in terms of procurement maintenance and modernisation is now fully-equipped giving priority to indigenous technology.
Talking to this newspaper on the sidelines of a press meeting, Mr Parikkar said the process of addition of military outfits and installations has been included in the Make-in-India policy.
“Many indigenously developed technologies that were unused by the UPA government are being used now effectively for the sake of military establishment. Each deal, whether it is national or international, will be done with utmost transparency and avoiding corruption. The government has set aside at least Rs 3.5 lakh crore to make military more competent. We have now given preference to the ‘eventuality’ for which at least 70 per cent of the amount is earmarked. So military will be more competent and professionally equipped to efficiently deal with disasters or wars.”
When he was reminded about the explosions on board INS Sindhurakshak in August 2013 killing 18 sailors, the minister said that there were strong standard operation procedures in place to avoid such incidents. The minister said several procurement schemes are currently under the consideration of the Army including projects relating to disaster management. “However, the top priority areas include acquisition of 155mm howitzers, air defence guns and light utility helicopters,” he added.
