DPP 2010 to focus on reducing the delays in the procurements: AK Antony

The Government of India will be further revising the Defence procurement Procedures in the year 2010. The effort in this direction is already on. The next revision would be focusing upon reducing delays in the procurement process, said Shri AK Antony, Hon’ble Raksha Mantry, Government of India. He was speaking at International Seminar on ‘Army Air Defence in 21st Century’ organised by Corps of Army Air Defence, Integrated HQ of MoD (Army) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The minister further added that the army needs to be prepared for asymmetric and non conventional warfare. Public and private sector should work together to explore the ever expanding domains of defence sector. The available resources should be utilised in a judicious manner, towards the goal set by the Government to reduce dependence on imports, which currently stands at 70%. Mr. Baba Kalyani, Chairman, CII National Committee on Defence & Aerospace & CMD, Bharat Forge Limited outlined that the Government has been undertaking forward looking reforms and streamlining defence procurement procedures. In this backdrop he called for a level playing field for Indian private players. He welcomed DPP amendments that have been recently announced. He highlighted issues of concerns such level playing field vis-à-vis foreign players with regards to the foreign exchange rate variations, issues of taxation structure, facilitating capabilities development for SMEs. Mr. Kalyani also urged the Government to work out some kind of arrangement to allow prototype import for the benefit of the indigenous industry. Self sufficiency in large range of defence equipments will translate in win-win situation for all. CII believes that the defence industry can rise up to this challenge. Gen Deepak Kapoor, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC, Chief of Army Staff stated that technological breakthroughs like attack helicopters, cruise missiles etc. have added new dimensions to ariel defence domain. Therefore continuous upgradation and revamping of technology is imperative. It is also required that infrastructure and technological prowess are being developed keeping in consideration nation’s security needs. Lt. Gen Ram Pratap, AVSM, VSM, Director General, Corps of Army Air Defence, Integrated Headquarters of MoD (Army) said that the years ahead will see upgradation of existing policies, coming of age of defence R&D, etc. It is extremely crucial to sensitise the industry both indigenous and international about the road-map of defence preparedness.