From News Dispaches NEW DELHI: Defense Minister K.C, Pant said today that “nobody can put a curb” on india’s efforts to develop missile technology.”
“Our scientists and engineers are working on the indigenous missile programme,” Pant told Kapil Verma amid thumping of desks during question hour in the Rajya Sabha.
Verma was seeking the Government’s clarification on the reported observation made by the US Defense Department in its annual programme to the US Congress and its impact on India’s missile programme.
- Involvement
Explaining the salient features of the ongoing programme Pant said technological cooperation with the USA included certain aspects relating to the light combat aircraft, (LCA).
Apart from the USA, France was associated with the LCA project.
He disagreed with the member that the project was proceeding at a slow pace. There was bound to be delay in a project of this type.
Pant told G.P. Thakur that scientists and engineers were going ahead with the modernization of technology. The expertise to meet the technological advancement in the field of defense was available within the country and this was being fully exploited.
Replying to a supplementary question from Suresh Kalmadi the Minister said that the USA had released 404 engines required for the LCA project.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 26, 1989
