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India will end up with second-rate defence equipment if it depends on foreign vendors for the supply of critical defence technology, warned Defence Minister A K Antony on Monday. He was speaking at the eighth Aero India International seminar in Bengaluru.
"Do not be under the impression that any country in the world, however friendly, would like to part with their most modern 'A' grade technology. A foreign country in the name of transfer of technology might pass on technology but I am not sure if they would part with the best," he said.
"I don't know the difference between 'A','B' or 'C' grade technology. But I am sure that India is not getting 'A' grade technology," he added.
"The Defence Research and Development Organisation and other defence production units should develop a strong base of critical technology. The government will give 101% support to them," said the defence minister.
"Until we develop our own strong technological base, we cannot say India has come of age. For this to happen, we need large scale participation of universities, research institutions and all stake holders to work with DRDO and others," he said.
Sounding a word of caution to the DRDO, he said that it should be alert on a 24/7 basis.
"Don't think you have reached the final stage, because technology is changing very fast," he said.
On the Light Combat Aircraft, Antony was confident that the aircraft would be in full combat strength by the time of the next Aero India seminar.
"The air force wants some more improvements to be incorporated and I am sure DRDO will address those concerns," he said.