Antony asks DRDO to build credible missile defence system

New Delhi, Jun 3 (PTI) Indian Defence Minister A K
Antony on Friday asked the DRDO to prioritise the development
of 5,000-km range ballistic missile while building a credible
missile defence system for the country.
He also congratulated the Defence Research Development
Organisation for developing the interceptor missile allowing
India to join an elite club of nations possessing such advance
technology.
"DRDO must demonstrate the capability to develop
missiles of the range of 5000 km at the earliest. This is a
challenge for the DRDO and I hope they will successfully meet
this challenge at the earliest," he said here.
Antony was addressing a gathering of defence
scientists who received the DRDO's annual award for excelling
in their respective areas.
"The interceptor missile defence program has taken
India into the elite club of nations that possess the
capability to demonstrate this technology. DRDO should now
concentrate on developing a credible ballistic missile defence
for the country," he added.
He also asked DRDO scientists to focus on the
development of Mark II version of the Main Battle Tank
(MBT) Arjun for the Indian Army and Kaveri Engine.
"The development of MBT Arjun and Kaveri Engine has
been hit by delays. Development of MBT Arjun is a major
milestone. But Mark II is another area of challenge. That
challenge you have to meet," he told the gathering.
Pitching for indigenisation, Antony said the armed
forces should place more faith in the DRDO's capability and
should not always be keen on importing weapons systems and
technologies.
"DRDO will have to reform and re-orient itself to keep
pace with the technological changes and stay competitive... At
the same time our armed forces too need to show more
confidence in indigenous capabilities," he said.
He said, "Our dependence on imports should reduce and
there should be a proper synergy between the DRDO, private and
public industries in the defence sector, and the armed
forces."
Asking the DRDO to strive to meet the high standards
of quality and technology for the armed forces, he asked it to
make the "satisfaction of the end user the litmus test
of your endeavour."
While interacting with the reporters on the sidelines
of the program, Antony emphasised the need for producing
equipment needed by the armed forces.
"We want 100 per cent indigenisation. We must be able
to produce to the maximum extent and become self-reliant in
the area of defence," he said.
On whether the Ministry has taken any decision on the
controversy over the age of Army chief General V K Singh, he
said, "Whenever government takes a decision we will certainly
tell you. I don't want any public debate on the issue."