Over the last two years there has been a flurry of defence deals running into billions of dollars, the recent one being the deal with Dassault for 126 Rafale aircraft. The moot point is whether India should remain dependent on imports to fight its wars. No country, especially one that nurtures the ambition of being a superpower, can fight and win wars with imported weaponry. Despite a well-established aviation industry with aerospace companies like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and a half-a-century long tie-up with Russia, we cannot produce even advanced jet trainer aircraft, barring some odd exceptions. The envisaged transfer-of-technology route seldom helps unless we develop our own know-how. The only way out of this perennial import spiral is to emulate China and go for re-engineering aviation under inspiring leaders like G Madhavan Nair. Similarly, proven weapons systems tailored to our ops requirements should be indigenised without any qualms. The government will do well to have a dedicated re-engineering department with manning from the Defence Research and Development Organisation, three services and ordnance factories. Talent from industry, educational institutes and freelancers should be dovetailed for best results.
Raghubir Singh Pune
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