Antony anguished over delay in supply of military equipment

Anguished over delays in procurement and supply of military equipment, Defence Minister A K Antony on Thursday urged foreign vendors, including those from Russia and Israel, to stick to deadlines.

Stepping up pressure on foreign countries, Antony said, "I convey my anguish to foreign vendors, including Russia and Israel, on the delays in delivery of defence equipment. They have to try and deliver the defence equipment on time."

Russia and Israel are the two largest military suppliers to India. New Delhi had recently signed contracts with Tel Aviv for supply of Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles worth Rs 7,500 crore and with Russia for design and development of fifth general fighter aircraft and medium transport aircraft.

Formally inducting the Israeli-built Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) into the Indian Air Force at Palam airbase here, Antony, who deviated from his written speech, said: "Thorough the Ambassadors of the two countries, who are present here, I request the foreign countries for cooperation in meeting delivery schedules of AWACS and other equipment so that the Indian armed forces get the latest, modern weapons systems in time."