Govt. wants to reduce import dependence in defence sector: Parrikar

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has said that said the government wants to reduce import dependence in defence sector to below 40 percent from the present 60-65 percent in the next five to eight years through Make in India. 

The Defence Minister said his Ministry removed obstacles in the way of procurement of defence equipment through a transparent mechanism. He said the impact of new Defence Procurement Policy will be visible only after a year as defence procurement is a very complex and lengthy process. 

Mr Parrikar said, the NDA government has taken several measures to further strengthen the security of the country during last two years of its rule. He said the government fulfilled the long pending demand of defence forces for One Rank One Pension, OROP scheme. He said, this step will bolster the confidence and morale of security forces and they will be able to thwart the evil designs of enemy. Mr. Parikkar said OROP will



not have any adverse impact on the Defence budget.

On modernization of defence forces, the Defence Minister said, two indigenously manufactured Tejas, Light Combat Aircrafts (LCA) have already been inducted in the Air Force and its first squadron will be ready to fly by September-October this year. He said, 6 new submarines are under construction at Mazagaon Docks. 

Mr. Parikkar said, indiscriminate blacklisting of defence manufacturers makes procurement costlier. On Rafael aircraft deal, he said, it would be finalized very soon. He said, government is engaged in last minute bargaining to reduce its price. In response to another question, the Defence Minister said, the strength of combat forces will not be cut down rather it will be strengthened. He, however, said non-combat employees’ strength can be rationalized and for this a committee has been set up. The committee has been asked to submit its report in three months.