'India Has Reached Maturity of Technology for Defence Requirements'

Bangalore: India has reached maturity of technology in realising its defence services requirements and it is necessary to exploit the potential of the private industry to increase the production rate, a top Defence Research and Development Organisation official said on Wednesday.

"...we have been growing from nowhere. In the last two three decades we have reached the maturity to the international level, almost closer to the international level in terms of technology of aircraft, helicopters and missiles and Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV)," DRDO Director General (Aeronautical Systems) K Tamilmani told reporters here.

AeroIndia is an opportunity for India to showcase the strength in the Aeronautical field, he said briefing about the five-day aero show beginning here from February 18, which would be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Make in India" is the theme of the 10th international edition of the aerospace and aviation exhibition.

He said "now engine technology is one thing we need to focus little more, remaining areas we have reached almost closer to where we need, what India needs to build with the technology available."

With Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas, technology is available for any product to be realised for the future for the Indian Defence Services, either Air force or Navy or Army, he said.

"On helicopter technology - LCA has given us great input to decide whatever type of helicopter we are doing -- whether it is five tonne category or ten tonne category, India is capable of doing. All technologies are available including production technology," he said.

Stating that Unmanned Aerial Vehicle has been a successful programme though started a little late, Tamilmani said "today all the technology required for the UAV programme is available."