AK Antony took over as the Defence Minister in New Delhi on Monday. He was also Defence Minister in the previous Union Government.
Immediately after taking over as Defence Minister, Antony said that the security scenario around India is becoming more and more challenging. The minister said, “Developments around us is a cause of serious concern to us. So eternal vigilance is a must.” He said, “We have to further strengthen our security measures and also security apparatus by all means.”
The Defence Minister said, there is a need to give a push to the modernisation of Armed forces. However, at the same time he cautioned that “in our anxiety for speedy procurement we cannot and must not compromise transparency.” Antony said, he is aware of the fact that the task, which he has undertaken this time, is more challenging. The minister promised to pay more attention and work with more dedication, commitment and honesty to meet the challenges ahead.
Improving service conditions
Referring to the Mumbai terror attack the minister stressed the need for paying more attention to coastal security. Antony was of the opinion that infrastructure development in the North-East and other border areas is very important. Referring to the service conditions of the Armed Forces the Minister said, “Equipment and training alone will not keep the morale of the Armed Forces high. The welfare of the Armed Forces who are deployed in the far- flung difficult areas like Siachin, Nathu-La and in deep sea in submarines and dense forest have to be protected.”
He said, “I will take personal interest to improve their service conditions, including their accommodation, ration, food and clothing.” The Minister sought the goodwill and support of the countrymen in his task of protecting the country. Antony also sought the support and good wishes of the fourth estate.
Earlier, on his arrival at the Ministry of Defence in South Block, Antony was received by Defence Secretary Vijay Singh and other senior officials. Later, the three Service Chiefs also called on him. The defence minister also took a meeting of senior officials of the ministry, where he discussed important issues relating to Defence.
First of IAF AWACS arrives in India
Meanwhile, the first of the three Indian Air Force AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) platform arrived in India from Israel on Monday. The giant IL-76 configured in its new avatar was escorted by three Mig-29 and Jaguar aircraft each.
Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, SWAC, Air Marshal KD Singh, Air Defence Commander Air Vice Marshal P Singh and the AOC Jamnagar, Air Commodore C Hari Kumar and air warriors of the airbase welcomed the crew of the AWACS aircraft that included the Commanding Officer of the first AWACS squadron, Group Captain B Saju. Their maiden touchdown on Indian soil also marks the first landing of the AWACS in an IAF airbase.
The aircraft is slated to arrive at Palam airport tomorrow where an induction ceremony is scheduled on May 28. The AWACS are slated to operate from the Agra airbase under Central Air Command and frenetic preparations ahead of its first arrival to join the extended fleet of the IL-76 family are complete.