Disclosing that India would go for an additional 44 new Hawk advanced jet trainers (AJTs) besides integrated jet trainers (IJTs), Defence Minister A K Antony on Saturday defended the UPA government’s stress on the social sector in the ensuing budget, saying it would not come in the way of modernisation of defence forces.
Speaking to journalists, after witnessing the breathtaking display of air manoeuvres at the Bidar air force station, Antony, did not give details of the new purchases. At present, India has entered into an agreement with the British Aerospace Systems for 66 Hawks, 42 of which would be manufactured at HAL. As for IJTs, he merely said more IJTs would be manufactured but did not divulge any further information. Responding to a question on whether UPA government’s decision to focus on social sectors in the budget would lead to lower spending on defence, Antony said there was nothing wrong in giving more funds to the social sector. “However, it does not mean that the allocation for defence would be reduced. While giving primacy to social sector the government will not lag behind in supporting armed forces.”
According to the minister, the government has the will to modernise the defence forces. “Not only IAF will be modernised, but the army and navy too will have new technology and equipment.” When pointed out that the IAF took the decision to modernise its training process way back in 1982, Antony remarked that that delay was there “but it is part of history now”.
He said the changed global scenario was forcing India to reorient its defence forces and in the process go for continuous upgradation of man and machine. “Global security scenario is in a state of flux, forcing us to constantly re-assess threats to our national security. One of the principal instruments to safeguard our assets and interests is through the modernisation of our armed forces.”
Antony said the IAF’s comprehensive modernisation effort included the acquisition of aerial tankers, airborne warning and control systems, aerostats and unmanned aerial vehicles apart from state-of-the-art fighter aircrafts.
