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‘Private sector has greater role in defence purchases’

Special Correspondent

Antony calls for maximum synergy

— Photo: Sandeep Saxena

FOR Collaborative approach: Defence Minister A.K. Antony with Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor at a seminar in New Delhi on Tuesday.

NEW DELHIU: The new Defence Purchase Policy (DPP) envisages a greater role for the private sector in supplying the much-needed equipment to the armed forces, Defence Minister A. K. Antony said on Tuesday.

Mr. Antony said, “It should be our endeavour to achieve the maximum synergy between the Defence, public and private sectors, in order to create a competitive defence technology edge and strengthen the industry base in our country”.

The Minister was addressing an “International Technology Seminar on Future Infantry Combat Vehicle and Future Main Battle Tank,” jointly organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Directorate General of Mechanised Forces here

The focus of the new rules and procedures in the defence procurement procedures 2008 (DPP 2008) was on ensuring speedier procurements of weapons, systems and platforms, while ensuring transparency. The DPP 2008 would be operative from August 1 and it incorporated the experience of the government and the armed forces since it was first formulated in 2006, he said.

The new DPP would promote indigenisation and encourage wider representation on panels doing technical evaluation of indigenously designed military platforms.

Delays

Chief of the Army Staff General Deepak Kapoor pointed out that while technology was critical for any nation’s defence system, “what was needed was the need to check any time and procedural delays.”

While it was important to stress on indigenisation and collaborative approach, “we should not compromise on our operational capabilities.”

Lt. Gen. Dalip Bhardwaj, Director-General Mechanised Forces, delivering the theme address, said the time was right for greater private sector involvement in supply of defence equipment.

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