Bangalore: The Indian Air Force has a “serious problem” because the Government couldn’t supply it crucial radars and other equipment on time, Defence Minister A K Antony has admitted.
"I don't dispute the fact that because of our failure in providing necessary radars and other equipment to our forces, there is some serious problem. We are lagging behind," Antony said in Bangalore.
He made the statement after the Comptroller and Auditor General in a report on the Defence Ministry said the number of radars with the Air Force were inadequate for efficient surveillance of the skies.
Antony admitted the Air Force hasn’t had enough radars for 17 years, but refused to blame any particular government for it. "I am not here to sit in judgement over what happened in the past," he said.
"The process of induction of radars and other equipment started in 1991. There are various reasons (for the delay). In the last 17 years, we were not able to provide necessary air defence equipment to the IAF. But these were in the past. Now I can tell you, there are problems. I agree with you."
Antony said radars and equipment for the Air Force are now being inducted fast. "Most modern radars are being inducted. Now decisions are being taken and things are moving fast. For whatever happened in the past, I can assure you now things are in the current track to provide all armed forces and the IAF in particular, the most modern equipment they want.
“Within few years we will provide IAF with the most modern world-class radars. Money will not be a problem."
The CAG, in its performance audit, has said that the Defence Ministry failed to ensure timely acquisition, upgradation, replacement and modernisation of radars and associated equipment, leaving the country's air defence most ineffective.
The 2008 CAG report, presented to Parliament on Friday, said the IAF does not possess adequate number of surveillance radars needed for providing efficient and reliable detection capabilities for ensuring credible air defence of the country.
Comments
0 comment