Modernisation of armed forces is vital: India’s defence minister Mr A. K. Antony

Bidar, Feb 24, 2008: Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Saturday said the modernisation of the armed forces was one of the principal things to be achieved. The country, by virtue of its strategic location, rapid economic growth and technological capabilities, had a pressing need to safeguard its assets and interests.

He was speaking after the induction of advanced jet trainer aircraft Hawk-132 into the Indian Air Force at a ceremony held at the Air Force Station here. Mr. Antony said, "Continuous change in the global security scenario has made the country to constantly reassess its national security."

"The IAF’s comprehensive modernisation effort includes the acquisition of aerial tankers, airborne warning and control systems, aerostats and unmanned aerial vehicles, apart from the state-of-the-art fighter aircraft."

These acquisitions had made the IAF increase its operational capabilities and the licensed production of the Hawk aircraft by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited would be yet another step in this regard.

The Minister said the induction of Hawks, made by the BAE Systems, U.K., into the IAF was a fulfilment of a long-standing "commitment" by the government to provide young pilots with the state-of-the-art trainer aircraft.

Mr. Antony said the standards of the training imparted in the IAF institutions were of the "highest order" and with the induction of the advanced jet trainer aircraft it was expected that the existing gaps in the transitional training of young pilots would be plugged.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal F.H. Major said the induction strengthened the historic ties between India and the United Kingdom.

The air chief thanked the government of India for its continued support for the acquisition of Hawks. Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, Air Marshal G.S. Chaudhary, said that as scheduled, training in Hawks for pilots would begin from June.

U.K. High Commissioner in India Sir Richard Stagg; Air Commodore Ramesh Rai, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station, Bidar; and representatives from the U.K. High Commission, the BAE Systems and the HAL were present.

 

 

Source: Bharat-Rakshak.com