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Missile tests only to create enough deterrence: Antony
Special Correspondent
| Induction of Agni-I, Agni-II missiles to be done within a "reasonable time" |
ALL FOR MODERNISATION: Defence Minister A.K. Antony (left), accompanied by HAL Chairman Ashok Baweja, takes part in a press conference after visiting the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Bangalore on Saturday.
Bangalore: Reiterating that India's missile tests were meant only to create "enough deterrence" and not aimed against any country, Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Saturday said it was for Indian scientists to decide how many more launches/tests of the Agni-III long-range missile were needed before it could be operationalised.
Interacting with mediapersons after visiting the headquarters of the defence public sector enterprise Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) here, Mr. Antony said, "We will continue with these [Agni missile] tests."
The successful test on Thursday of the nuclear-capable Agni-III, which has the ability to hit targets 3,000 km away, showed that Indian scientists had "matured enough."
No unnecessary delays
If the need arose, India could have missiles of whatever capacity it required, he said. The induction of Agni-I and Agni-II missiles into the armed forces would be done within a "reasonable time," and there would not be any "unnecessary delays."
Asked about India's "threat perception," particularly from China, he said the border situation was much better now. Stressing that relations with neighbouring countries were better, he said India would initiate dialogues to find solutions to problems.
Tackling naxalism
He ruled out the "direct involvement" of the Army in tackling naxalism. Pointing out that it was not a good idea to involve the Army in such activities anywhere in the country, he said the law and order problems caused by naxal activity were a State subject. It was for the States to decide how they wished to tackle the problem. "We will of course help by way of equipment and other resources, and can also deploy paramilitary forces, but not the Army."
Mr. Antony's comments come in the wake of a number of States, including Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa, seeking Central help in handling the naxal situation.
On modernisation of the armed forces, he said India could not afford to ignore this, more so since countries in the region were speedily doing so. "Our intention is not one of confrontation, but at the same time we have to be eternally vigilant as far as security is concerned, and in order to safeguard the nation's unity and integrity."
Indigenisation
Modernisation had to be undertaken simultaneously with indigenisation of defence equipment. Calling for a healthy balance between defence imports and indigenously produced equipment, he said India could not in the short term depend entirely on either.
In the long run, India would have to be self-reliant in manufacture of defence equipment.
IAF requirement
On the Indian Air Force's requirement of 126 multi-role combat aircraft, he said the request for proposal (RFP), to be sent out to prospective manufacturers, was being finalised.
"New requirements which have come up are being looked into. But we are committed [to buying the 126 jets]."
Noting that the purchase of 40 Su-30 MKI fighters from Russia would fill in for the IAF's short-term requirements, Mr. Antony said additional requirements would also be met.
The Government was studying the IAF's proposal to set up an aerospace command.
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