Army Chief compliments DRDO for positive achievements

The Chief of Army Staff, General J.J.Singh said that there have been many successes in the projects handled by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Army.

Addressing the media here today after the conclusion of the week-long Army Commanders Conference, General J.J.Singh calling the DRDO ventures a 'mixed bag of successes' that the Army has had, listed the Nishant UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), Pinaka and Nag anti-tank missiles, the Anamika missile carrier and the NBC (Nuclear Biological Chemical) equipment among the successful ventures of the DRDO. He pointed out that there have been failures also. But, he added, "The indigenous efforts of a scientist need to be encouraged to the extent possible."

General J. J. Singh said that in whichever venture the DRDO had competence, their expertise would be used, otherwise technology from outside shall be considered.

Rubbishing aside controversies related to defence deals affecting the armed forces, Singh said that if the laid down procedures were followed then the requirements would be met without a problem.

Elaborating on the Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT), being built indigenously by the DRDO at the Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi, Tamil Nadu, the Chief said that, "We've placed a demand for 124 tanks, which we hope to receive in two to three years time."

The project "Main Battle Tank, Arjun" (MBT), was sanctioned in May 1974. The project had its General Staff Qualitative Requirement (GSQR) finalisation in October 1985.

The T-72 tanks are also being upgraded with a modular turret.

General Singh said that the DRDO would asked to translate the successful information technology present in the private sector, into the military dimensions. The thrust was on utilisation of indigenous capability but tie-up with other countries for transfer of technology should be considered for joint research, development, exploitation and export, on the pattern of Brahmos missiles.

The Army Chief also said that violence levels in Jammu and Kashmir had fallen by 20 percent and that there was a proposal to suggest amendments in the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the Northeast.

He said that earlier, in the north east operations were led by a Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO), but now they would be led by a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO). (ANI)

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