The Hindu : National : Restraint should not be seen as weakness, says Antony

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Restraint should not be seen as weakness, says Antony

K.V. Prasad

A.K. Antony

BANGALORE: Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Wednesday asserted that India’s decision to exercise restraint in its post-Mumbai dealing with Pakistan should not be construed as “weakness.”

Rejecting suggestions that New Delhi was acting in such a manner on account of Pakistan’s nuclear capability, Mr. Antony said that while the country was capable of meeting “any challenge,” it was pursuing the diplomatic option.

Addressing a press conference after inaugurating the ‘7th Aero India 2009’ show at the Yelhanka air force station here, the Defence Minister said the Central government reviewed the security situation with Ministries concerned in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks.

Sharing the assessment, he said it was clear that in the near future there would be little improvement in the security scenario in the region and the government decided to provide the armed forces with the most modern equipment it required.

On the issue of indigenisation of equipment for the armed forces,Mr. Antony said he was “most excited” to see the homemade Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’ scorching the skies with its spectacular demonstration at the air power display.

Mr. Antony said he accorded top priority to the success of the LCA and the Main Battle Tank ‘Arjun,’ programmes of the Defence Research Development Organisation. “Over the years there has been lot of noise questioning the expenditure over these programmes… both projects are on at a stage of breakthrough… there is light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

On the acquisition front, the Minister said all competitors for 126 medium multi-range combat aircraft would get a “level-playing field” and the decision would be based on a transparent procedure.

After witnessing a stunning display by four of the six frontline aircraft which are in the fray, the Minister said he remarked to the Air Chief that competition would be keen. The F-16 Super Viper by Lockheed Martin, F/A-18 Super Hornet (Boeing), MiG-35 (RSK-Russian) and Typhoon (Eurofighter) showed their flying prowess after the inaugural.

On other plans, he said the nuclear-powered Advanced Technology Vessel for the Navy was in the final stages; negotiations were on for the Russian aircraft carrier, Admiral Gorshkov, rechristened INS Vikramaditya, as well as for the aerial tanker; terms for the End User Agreement with the United States was being worked out; and special agreement for the P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft was in the final stages.

Asked about the Left party leaders’ demand to scrap the Barack missile deal, the Minister said the government had responded to their earlier letter. As for the suggestion that the DRDO product was better, the Minister said the organisation was in the know of things on this purchase.

To a question on the role of lobbyists and moves by them to scuttle indigenisation of defence production, the Minister said: “If you all co-operate we can control these lobbies.” India still depends 70 per cent on imports for defence requirement and promised the government would support the armed forces in buying maximum products made in India.

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