Focus research on critical, high technology areas: Anthony tells defence scientists

Defence minister AK Antony today asked top scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to concentrate on high technology and critical areas to help the country achieve self-reliance in strategic fields, rather than taking up too many projects and thereby losing focus.

Addressing the DRDO Research Council, Antony asked the scientists to set a goal of achieving indigenisation of 70 per cent from the current level of 30 per cent in ten years in the manufacture of defence products, a government release said.

"Over dependence on foreign suppliers is not conducive to national security in critical times," he said'.

For this, the defence minister said both public sector and the private sector should join hands for the transformation and paradigm change of defence industry in the country.

He asked the defence scientists to have continuous interaction and build synergy with the services for greater success and acceptance of the products by the forces. He also asked the top brass to decentralise and delegate decision making to the numerous laboratories across the country, as far as possible.

Product quality and timely delivery should get special attention, he told scientists.

The DRDO Research Council consists of the scientific advisor to the defence minister, eight chief controllers (R&D), additional financial advisor and three distinguished scientists. The body is responsible for providing directions and guidance for executing research and technology projects in different disciplines by over 50 laboratories of DRDO.