With the armed forces seeking advanced military equipment, Defence Minister A K Antony on Saturday said that he had directed that all weapons induction processes be speeded up.
"We intend to get the best available weapons system for our armed forces," he told media persons, asserting that he had instructed that all procurement deals under process be paced up.
His remarks assume significance as the Indian Air Force, since the past six to nine months, has been finalising international tenders for mega billion deal to acquire 126 Multi Role Combat aircraft, to shore up the forces sharp decline in fighter strength due to ageing Mig-21 aircraft.
Interacting with reporters during the Vijay Diwas celebrations at the National Stadium in New Delhi, to mark Indian armed forces' sweeping victory in 1971 Bangladesh campaign, Antony stressed that the government was contemplating bringing in more reforms in arms purchases procedure.
But, at the same time, strict transparency in all arms deals will be maintained, he said.
Asked if his clean image could hamper defence deals, Antony said: "On the contrary, it should scare away corrupt elements."
Sidestepping a question on the progress made in producing an indigenous nuclear submarine, he said the Government had resolved to get the most modern equipment for the forces.
Touching upon the rising cases of suicides and fratricides in the armed forces, Antony said the Government was concerned over these, though there was no reason to panic.
He said preliminary investigations into these cases had revealed that increasing break-up of joint family system was taking its toll as jawans posted on the front had little by way of family to fall back on in case of crises and disputes.
"Tensions in the family are being translated to the frontline," Antony said, adding that he was writing to state chief ministers and administrations to be more responsive to the problems of the jawans guarding the frontiers.
"We have set up a committee under a director of armed forces psychological research that has been asked to submit its report within two months," he said, asserting that when the findings will come, Government would initiate action.
The minister said new steps were also being contemplated to increase the facilities given to jawans and officers.
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