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Private sector may be involved in defence: Fernandes

There is a move to involve the private sector in the production of defence items in a greater measure in areas where it has the potential, the Rajya Sabha was informed during question hour today.

Defence Minister George Fernandes said in reply to supplementaries that there is a constant increase in the indigenisation of the defence needs of the country.

The cost of the items locally procured was Rs 10.66 billion, while the cost of the imported items was Rs 16.52 billion during 1997-98.

Fernandes said the country was trying to catch up on new technology with the import of defence equipment. He said India has done better than western countries in acquiring technology for manufacturing spare parts for Russian fighter planes, and that there was better technical collaboration with the Russians toward a transfer of technology.

In a written reply he said that to achieve the twin goals of self-reliance and low cost, efforts are being made to manufacture increasing quantity of spares within the country by HAL and private agencies.

IAF too has taken up major programmes for indigenisation of spares and components required for maintenance of aircraft and helicopters of Russian origin, he said.

Regular workshops, exhibitions and seminars are being organised in collaboration with the industry for co-operation and active involvement in the indigenisation effort.

So far, over 27,600 items of fighter aircraft and helicopters of Russian origin have been indigenised, Fernandes said.

The Indian Army has been reacted quickly to Pakistani firing around Kargil and surrounding villages and the civil administration is providing shelters and bunkers to protect the local population, Fernandes said.

He said that to safeguard the Kargil Daras highway, walls have been planned along those stretches where Pakistani firing is heavy.

UNI

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