Antony calls for increasing indigenisation in defence production

Speaking at the 'Aero and space technologies: success through global co-operation' international conference in Bangalore yesterday,  defence minister A K Antony and air chief P V Naik spoke in similar voices but differing perspectives on defence research and development.

While Antony called for enhancement of indigenisation, Naik observed that total-self reliance might not be possible.

The technical conference forms a prelude to the air show which is set to kick off tomorrow with over 500 delegates, all aerospace experts from 20 countries in attendance.

Antony said, "We know that in the name of technology transfer, A, B, C products come to our country.

I am not a scientist but I am very sure that in this transfer we never get A category products.

Ultimately DRDO will have to develop a technological base in critical technologies and until that happens we cannot say it has come of age.''