Then again, some hon. Members have referred to the frigate that we are building at Mazagon Docks and MIGs that we are producing with Russian collaboration and said that they are going to be obsolete by the time they are ready. I must say that they are misinformed about it. Of course, what they basically think is right. Technological development is proceeding so fast in the world that any new development in the manufacture of aeroplanes by the time it is incorporated and the plane reaches the production level, it becomes obsolete in the sense that somebody else has gone ahead. In that sense, yes, we may’ be lagging behind. But we have to accept that modernisation of planes in this country has ultimately to he judged by our own requirements in this country. Therefore, the MIG 21 that we are producing in this country is going to stay in the seventies in this country. I have no doubt about it. By that time, somebody may produce Mach-3 or Mach-3 plus, but the type of aircraft we are producing, MIG 21, I have no doubt will remain in this country for the purpose for which we produce it for at least a decade. I say that it will remain in use in the seventies in this country.
So, in the case of frigates too, it is true that at the rate at which we are going, the first frigate will he in our hands sometimes in 1970 or 1971. While deciding to go in for this types of frigate we have taken into account the type of technological development that is going on in this particular line and how long this will be able to do the necessary service to Navy. I have no doubt that these frigates will also remain in service in the seventies. What will be the requirements in eighties will depend on what developments take place in seventies.
The weapon system also changes over a period of time. We find the different forces in the world, in different countries, that there is some sort of change in the weapon system practically every ten years, and to establish that change in the’ weapon system takes further time. People sometimes feel or ask why is it that we are not buying or getting these things. I would like the hon. House to recognise one basic fact. The sophisticated weapons required for the defence force are not just available anywhere in the market. Even if you have got the necessary foreign exchange you just do not go and purchase these things in the market. You do not just go and take them off the shelves of those countries. There are certain political aspects that are taken into account before deciding whether to give those equipments or not. It is not enough that you ask for it, it is not enough that you have got the capacity to purchase it; is necessary’ that the other party must he willing to give it to you. Therefore, while talking of those equipments and modernisation all these political factors have also to be taken into account. After the experience of the last war, it is not enough that the army alone becomes realistic in these matters. I would like this House also to he a little more realistic in these matters. We must know what is feasible, what is possible and what is necessary.
All these things have to he taken into account while offering suggestions or offering criticisms, Criticisms are welcome. Looking at all these factors and the steps that we have taken for the last two or three years–while I do not want to create a false sense of security, at the same time, I do not want to create a false sense of panic either in this House–Realistically speaking I should say that we have added to the striking capacity-Of the air force, and we have added some more fire power, striking power in the different branches of the army also. And if the army is again called upon to face any aggression from whichever side, I have no doubt in my mind that it will again repeat and give a good account of itself.