The Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee stressed the need to frame reliable responses to unconventional security threats and meet challenges to security, resolutely and innovatively while addressing the senior commanders of the Armed Forces in New Delhi. Referring to the emerging security scenario in the neighbourhood and in the world, he said that September 11 incidents in New York and Pentagon demonstrate vividly the nature and extent of the asymmetry in the confrontation between terrorism and the civilized world.

Paying tributes to the Armed Forces, the Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes lauded their efforts to guard the frontiers and preserve the integrity of the country. Regarding the recent initiatives of reforms in the defence sector, Mr Fernandes stressed the need for cost-effective utilisation of scarce resources, higher operational efficiency, better co-ordination and flow of information. The separate dedicated structure for defence procurement will lead to better time and cost management in the acquisition process.

Recent acquisitions by the Armed Forces with the agreement to purchase T-90 tanks, Sukhoi 30 MK-1 fighter aircraft, with transfer of technology for indigenous production, have added considerable strength. The upgradation of Jaguar aircraft, MiG-27 M and MiG-21 BIS is also under way. One major acquisition - the advanced jet trainer - has been delayed for far too long. The Government means to proceed with acquiring it without any further delay, Mr Fernandes added. The light combat aircraft which did its first flight-test in the beginning of January this year, has successfully completed the first series of flight tests. The DRDO, HAL and others associated with this project are looking forward to test flying the second light combat aircraft very soon, he added.