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“At a time the nation is facing threats that are dynamic and challenging in nature, the Armed Forces are becoming heavily dependent on the DRDO and its affiliates,” he said.
Speaking as the chief guest at a function at the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), he said, “The need for increased partnership among organisations under the DRDO, the armed forces and the academia cannot be over-emphasised.” The way forward is to have a “genuine, seamless interface,” Thamburaj said, adding there should be more trust between the tri-services and the DRDO.
He also stressed the need for indigenous technology. “We should develop state-of-the-art equipment and not depend on other countries. I would rather lose using Indian weapons than win using those made in other countries. At the same time, we cannot afford to be left behind in wars of the future.”
Elaborating, he said rapid technological advancements had led to a revolution in military affairs that was driven by “the good work of scientists at the DRDO and its affiliates.”
“A democracy such as ours is a soft target for terrorists, and the terrorist of today is difficult to identify or understand. They are often non-state actors — wicked people with no ideology and are anti-mankind. They are not supported by anyone, but sometimes financed by equally warped, wealthy people who indulge in killing innocent people. A soldier fights a soldier, not innocent civilians. Thus, owing to the fear and reality of collateral damage, the armed forces are often hampered when taking on these anti-social elements, he said.
Elaborating on the 21st century warfare, Thamburaj said it would be very different and would constantly change and therefore it was imperative to perceive the future.
“Wars have been lost by armies because they prepared as they did for the last war they fought, not one that will be fought in future,” he said. In future, conflicts will be heavily based on technology such as surveillance and a soldier may not come in direct contact with the enemy, he said.
Earlier, he inaugurated a two-day exhibition on armament products and technologies at the HEMRL, to showcase an array of systems and technologies from various DRDO labs as well as private industry. The defence equipment on display includes the Pinaka missile, Akash missile, 84-mm lightweight launcher and explosive detection kits.
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It is a national policy for all nations to have indegeniious equipments. But that does not mean that we should lag behind in arms race. As far as army is concerned, it should be provided with best and most advanced equipments and should be second to non in terms of arms, equipments and technology, maintenace and good management. When you consider things like a tank, you must know that even the most advanced country like America built a modern tank by constant improvements and research on existing tanks. Similarly firing systems from tanks are improved. In some tanks, turrets can be replaced by missiles. All people dream, but not equally! Those who dream in dirty recesses of their mind in sleep, wake to find that it was in vanity. But the dreamers of the day who dream with wide open eyes can turn their dream into reality. Building on latest technologies and constantly improving on them will keep us ahead of others and second to non in arms race and any other races.Self confidence works.
This is the first time I hear from an intelligent army officer. Arjun tank affair shows the dark side of Indian army. We need young progressive army officer like this one.