India Evolving as Global Hub in Defence Manufacturing, says Defence Minister Parrikar
Hyderabad. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said India is evolving as a Global Hub in Defence Manufacturing and this has become possible following the partnership between the country’s Defence Research and Development Organisation and the various industries.
The Defence Minister was speaking during his visit to DRDO’s Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad January 16.
He said, “There is lot of knowledge and infrastructure base with the DRDO and the same needs to be tapped by the MSME and private industries, which in turn will lead towards the establishment of a self-reliant defence industrial ecosystem in our country. Today, the industries are significantly contributing in the realization of various defence products with the know-how provided by the DRDO and few of them have even graduated as lead integrators.
The partnership between the DRDO and industries is transforming our country into a global defence manufacturing hub. This synergy has provided the much needed thrust for exporting our defence products globally. We are taking necessary initiatives in this direction and I am sure that our state-of-the-art Missiles and Weapon systems will garner the much needed interest in the global markets and generate foreign exchange.”
“I admire the initiatives taken by the DRDO in signing MoUs with various Universities in diversified research areas and these initiatives need to be further strengthened by frequent interactions for realization of futuristic technological products,” he noted.
Mr Parrikar visited the integration centre at Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and reviewed ongoing missile technologies and related Programmes. Dr S Christopher, Secretary, DD&D and Chairman DRDO along with Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister (SA to RM) and Director General, Missiles and Strategic Systems briefed the Defence Minister on various technological developments.
On this occasion, Mr Parrikar also congratulated all DRDO scientists for the recent successful missions including Smart Anti Airfield Weapon, Long Range Ballistic Missiles Agni V& Agni IV, Guided Pinaka and Astra. He complimented the Missile Complex for indigenizing various technology products and strengthening the defence industrial base in the country.
