Every jet coming back safe is testimony to MSME's efforts: Air Marshal VR Chaudhary

Bengaluru: The Indian Micro, Small and Medium and Enterprise (MSME) industries make up roughly 40% of the supply chain in the defence sector. In a panel discussion moderated by Mr Nitin Gokhale, founder, BharatShakti.in, Deputy Chief of the IAF, Air Marshal V.R. Chaudhary said, “Every aircraft that comes back safely is a testimony to the fact that each of the small parts have been made with care.”

He said that it is a moment of pride that Sukhoi-30, avionics, Akash and subsystems radar in the IAF are indigenous.

“Generally, we have felt the need for indigenous products. In the coming months, we will announce 8-9 projects and would love to see MSMEs taking part in them. Their response has been overwhelming,” he said.

Former chief of IAF, Air Chief Marshal F.H. Major, said that in the last 3,000 years, the world has witnessed 14,000 wars. “Given the scenario in our neighbourhood, it is clear that some kind of conflict would always remain,” he said.

He challenged the beliefs of those who think that days of classical warfare are over. “No armed forces in the world rely on this belief and stop making itself capable. The armed forces require a lot of support from the MSME. It needs to be nurtured,” he said.