With a few exceptions,
India’s show of strength at the Republic Day parade has remained powered by
foreign purchases, with the armed forces displaying a mix of Russian and US
companies' technology at the annual event. In effect, India's R-Day parade becomes
free advertising for foreign defence companies.
From the army’s main battle tank, to frontline
fighters streaming across the sky and the air transporters making their way
over Rajpath, India’s military display remains heavily dependent on
acquisitions from abroad.
The rare exception this year was the Light Combat
Aircraft, three of which took part in the flying display for the first time.
The Indian designed and manufactured fighters have recently been inducted into
the air force, with over 120 eventually likely to join. However, the rest of
the much viewed air display at the parade was divided neatly between the
Russians and the US, with a small representation by the British industry as
well.
The fighters that flew were mostly Russian – the
Su 30 MKI and the MiG 29 – and one formation of the British Jaguars. The air
transport wing formations were American – with the air force showcasing the C
17 Globemaster and its C 130 J Super Hercules aircraft. Helicopters – Mi 17 V5s
and Mi 35 attack choppers – were of Russian origin. Though showcased as an Indian
effort, the 'Netra' Airborne Early Warning and Control System Aircraft which is
under development also relies heavily on Brazilian and Israeli assistance.
On the ground, the largest combatant on display
was the main stay battle tank of the Indian Army, the Russian origin T 90,
which is now being produced in India. Following it were BMP-2K infantry combat
vehicles, again of Russian origin that are likely to be upgraded soon with help
from the Indian industry.
The Akash Weapon System, the new Dhanush artillery
gun and the Indo-Russian Brahmos missile system were displayed as Indian
products at the parade. But were also products of foreign defence
manufacturers' technology.
The only wing of armed forces that depends less on
foreign company technology is the Navy, but for obvious reasons, the Navy can't
participate in a parade to any great extent.
Most major combatants of the Indian Navy are now
made domestically, including an aircraft carrier under construction in Kochi.
The Navy showcased the indigenously built Kolkata Class Destroyer. But as has
mostly been the case, in 2017, too, India's supposedly great show of military
might was, really, an advertising forum for the global military-industrial
complex.
Source :- Economic Times
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