Robotics, remote tech weapons soon: PM

Observing that India's indigenous defence research was "gaining in confidence," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the country would soon embark upon the production of cutting-edge technology weapons in sensors, robotics, propulsion systems, stealth and fighting wars through the use of remote technology.

"We also plan to go in for precision-guided munitions as well as unmanned vehicle technologies in the 11th and 12th Plan period," Singh said after he gave away awards of excellence to the country's top defence scientists here today.

Impressing upon scientists that such confidence was essential to keep pace with evolution of dual-use technologies denied to the country for long, the Prime Minister said such futuristic weapons systems were also needed to contend with transnational actors and unconventional forces that were emerging as threats to the international order.

"DRDO aims to create new range of products and technolgies. These include cutting technolgies in propulsion systems, camouflage and stealh technologies, sensors and micro-electromagnetic systems, as well as precision guided munitions, robotics and unmanned vehicle technologies," Singh said after inaugurating the new budiling of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) adjacent to the South Block.

As a nation with great stakes in the evolution of stable and rule-based international system, Prime Minister said: "We must acquire the relevant knowledge and skills, develop innovative capabilites and raise our industrial capabilites."