International BusinessArmed forces need modernisation: Antony
Taking charge as the defence minister for the second time, AK Antony on Monday laid out the roadmap for India’s armed forces — modernisation and transparency. Antony’s very first day in office was marked by India receiving the state-of-the-art AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) platform from Israel. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is slated to get two more AWACS platforms, which is miles ahead of ground-based radars in detecting incoming missiles, enemy aircraft and monitor troop movement.
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During the course of the day, Antony met Defence Secretary Vijay Singh and the chiefs of the three services, as well as senior Ministry of Defence (MoD) officials and held a series of high-level meetings, said MoD spokesperson Sitanshu Kar.
Earlier, speaking to reporters at South Block, Antony zeroed in on “coastal security and infrastructure development in the country’s North-East and other border areas” as major challenges. He said: “Developments around us is a cause of serious concern. So, eternal vigilance is a must.”
When questioned if India sees China as its “biggest threat,” Antony said: “India wants to maintain friendly relations with all its neighbours. Not only maintain, but to improve our relations with China and all neighbours.”