Vice Admiral Hari Kumar in the Indian Army hoped that defense manufacturing would be more competitive with private companies joining the race. He said that OEMs (fundamental equipment manufacturers) should be given an opportunity to partner with Indian companies to enter this (small arms) market as part of ongoing reforms in the defense procurement process. Addressing the International Conference on Small Arms here, Kumar said that we are importing to meet our current and immediate needs, but self-reliance in this area is the basic need of the country in the long run. It is necessary that the basic weapons are manufactured here.
Regarding defense manufacturing, he said that to modernize the list of small arms, DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization) is making a new rifle and ARDE (Ordnance Research and Development Establishment) is making ammunition. We hope it will be ready for testing soon.
In his statement, he further said that progress is being made in the matter of quick procurement of rifles for the advance forces as well as joint venture with Russia is a big thing for the manufacture of 6.7 lakh AK 203 rifles in Amethi. Kumar said We need to achieve self-sufficiency in basic military capability so that the advance forces can get contemporary weapons. According to the thinking of our honorable Prime Minister, we need to do this for the 'Make in India' initiative.
Also Read:
JP Nadda met former CM Badal in his native village, said this after meeting
Priyanka Gandhi disappoints Basti members, farmers also disappointed
