CDS Chauhan calls for developing joint culture for armed forces
Inputs on national strategic issues impacting national security in both the civil and military domains were also deliberated upon.
The government on Friday told the Lok Sabha that the four-member committee set up under the chairmanship of Lt Gen Philip Campose, a former Vice Chief of Army Staff, with Major Gen Vijay Singh, Rear Admiral Mukul Asthana and Air Vice Marshal D S Rawat as members, has suggested periodic security audit as also installation of technology based security infrastructure, positioning of well trained, armed and equipped ‘Quick Reaction Teams’ (QRTs) at high threat and high priority military bases.
The committee was set up in the wake of the attack on Pathankot air base on 2 January last year by a heavily armed group.
In a written reply, Minister of State for Defence, Dr Subhash Bhamre, said based on the recommendations of the committee and after consultation with Services Headquarters, Guidelines for Security of Defence Installations have been issued to Services Headquarters.
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In reply to another question, he said the government was pursuing initiatives to achieve higher levels of indigenisation and self-reliance in the defence sector by harnessing the capabilities of the public and private sector industries in the country.
These measures include according priority and preference to procurement from Indian vendors and liberalisation of the licensing regime.
During the last three financial years, 94 contracts involving Rs 82,979.70 crore have been signed with Indian vendors for capital procurement of defence equipment.
During the same period, 56 contracts involving Rs 53,684.32 crore have been signed with foreign vendors for capital procurement of defence equipment. The process for export clearance has been streamlined and made transparent and online.
During 2015-16 and 2016-17 (up to February 2017), 37 contracts have been signed with foreign vendors of various countries for capital procurement of defence equipment such as rockets, radars, artillery guns, helicopters, aircraft, missiles, ammunition and simulators.
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