Roping in Private Companies Good for Modernisation: Army Chief

The Army has been pressing for updating its weapons systems considering the evolving security scenario.

Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat. (Photo: The Quint)

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has given a thumbs up to the strategic partnership model rolled out by the government to rope in leading private players for defence production, calling it a “big ticket” move to push modernisation of India's armed forces.

General Rawat said the new model is expected to fast track Army's modernisation plan as it will bring new technologies and help implement major military manufacturing projects.

The Army has been pressing for updating its weapons systems in light of the evolving security scenario in the region. General Rawat said the strategic partnership model will help the Army in replacing its ageing fleet of tanks and critical weapons.

The strategic partnership model is a big ticket thing. It will help the modernisation of armed forces. We have to gradually think of replacing our tanks. In the next seven to eight years, some of our old systems will have to be replaced. It is good to start the process now. Because for production to take place, you need time.

Army Chief Bipin Rawat

Under the new model, government will allow Indian private sector companies to form joint ventures with foreign defence majors to build fighter aircraft, helicopters, submarines and main battle tanks in India.

Referring to the Army's modernisation programme, Gen Rawat expressed happiness over its progress and referred to the arrival of two ultra light howitzers from the US and also about the Dhanush 155mm artillery gun developed by the DRDO.

"The modernisation programme is moving. It is on fast track. It cannot happen overnight. It is a process," he said, adding the artillery modernisation programme was going on "very very well".

After a 30-year wait for new artillery guns since the Bofors scandal, the Army last month received the first two howitzers from the US as part of an order for 145 long-range guns.

Talking about the need to look for new technology for the Army, he said, "You keep getting future technology and future technology becomes current and current will become obsolete. It (Modernisation) is a cycle.”