Hyderabad. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday called for progress in developing a 10-tonne multirole (multi-role) helicopter in India to make it a global leader.
He said that while India has shown its strength in the design, development and operation of helicopters in the 5 ton category, there is now a need to progress in the design of 10 ton multirole helicopters.
The minister was speaking at the diamond jubilee celebrations of Chetak helicopter here. Speaking at a conference to commemorate 60 years of service of Chetak Helicopter, he said that indigenously designed and developed, the Advanced Light Helicopter-DHRUV and its variants are a testament to India’s capability in the 5 ton category.
“To become a global leader, we have to strive for progress in the design of the 10-ton Indian multirole helicopter,” the minister said.
Singh said the helicopter market in India has huge potential as the country needs more than 1,000 civilian helicopters and the same number of helicopters in the defense sector.
He stressed that the external circumstances have affected the serviceability of India’s critical weapons and equipment and hence, efforts towards self-reliance remain the need of the hour.
In view of the events of the last few years, the government has emphasized on self-reliance in defense production and preparedness. He said, “These days we have seen many challenges in ensuring supply lines. External conditions have affected the serviceability of critical weapons and equipment. Hence, the greatest need of the hour is a sustained increase in our efforts for self-reliance. “
He said, “The burden of protecting a vast country like India cannot remain on the shoulders of other countries for long. We have to strengthen our shoulders to protect ourselves.”
Singh clarified that India has never had any intention of attacking against anyone and has only taken up arms to uphold the values of civilization, peace and truth.
He stressed that the relationship between peace, security and military might in the country has deepened over the years. Underlining the importance of a strong security mechanism for nations to maintain peace in the world, he said, “Over the years, the government has created an environment that has enabled the armed forces, scientists and Enabled defense manufacturers to proactively think and move forward.”
He pointed to the overwhelmingly positive response from the three services, R&D organizations and public and private sector industries. Expressing confidence of the unprecedented response to the unprecedented steps taken by the government, he said that MSMEs, start-ups, innovators and academia are together exploring new avenues of defense production.
Comparing the horse named ‘Chetak’ of Rajput king Rana Pratap in history, Singh described the ‘Chetak’ helicopter as not only a machine but a vibrant and dedicated unit, which has been continuously engaged in the service of the nation for the last six decades and He has set an example for others.
The Defense Minister said that it is a unique opportunity for him to participate in the Diamond Jubilee of Helicopter. “We celebrate the diamond jubilee of institutions and organizations. I often attend them but our Air Force is celebrating the diamond jubilee of the helicopter. It is a mark of our respect for this helicopter,” he said.
He said that the helicopters not only targeted the enemies on the battlefield but also saved precious lives by evacuating people in case of emergency.
The Defense Minister further said, “Around 700 Chetaks manufactured so far have served the nation in times of war and peace with full dedication. Chetak is one of the pioneering design and development projects in our country. Its success gave us confidence. That in future we can be successful in such projects also. So far around 700 Chetak helicopters have been produced in our country.
He said, “Chetak has always been at the forefront in providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief during natural calamities. This is the first time a helicopter has reached this milestone. Chetak has touched the hearts of the people. Our country has always been a part of this machine. Grateful to the professionals who run it.”
—AnyTV News
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