Press Trust of India / New Delhi Jul 20, 2009, 15:06 IST
Defence Minister A K Antony today said it was "unfortunate and painful" that 70 per cent of defence equipment was still being imported and informed the Lok Sabha that government was working towards manufacturing state-of-the-art equipment indigenously.
"It is unfortunate and painful that 70 per cent of defence equipment is still being imported," the minister shared during the Question Hour.
Antony said till India reached a stage where it could provide state-of-the-art equipment, it would have to rely on imports. "If Indian products are not of state-of the art quality, using them would be dangerous."
The defence minister added his ministry had decided to accord first priority to Indian public and private companies which are able to provide such equipment.
In reply to a question on whether there was a time-frame by when India would become self-sufficient in defence production, Antony hoped the process would be "speeded up". He said the procurement policy would be reviewed annually.
Minister of State of Defence, Vincent Pala conceded that there were deficiencies in bullet proof jackets but said these were not "sub-standard".
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