Thaindian News

New Delhi, Dec 18 (ANI): Defence Minister AK Antony today met the three services chiefs and Defence Secretary to review the overall security situation and to take stock of the state of preparedness of the Armed Forces.

The position with regard to certain critical equipment and the status of ongoing acquisition was reviewed in detail, top Defence Ministry sources said.

Antony emphasised the need for the forces to be fully geared up to face any challenge or threat that may arise. Security along the land and maritime borders, particularly in the light of terror threats was reviewed.

The importance of coordinated intelligence sharing by all agencies was emphasized at the meeting attended by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sureesh Mehta, Chief of Army Staff, General Deepak Kapoor, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major and Defence Secretary Vijay Singh.

The Services were asked to put suitable mechanism in place to ensure proper analysis and follow-up of all relevant inputs.

The security of vital coastal and offshore assets was also discussed with a view to ensure that these remained fully secure.

Antony will be holding another meeting on Saturday to review Coastal Security in detail.

Antony also called upon the Defence Scientists to remain prepared to provide appropriate support to the Armed Forces in any eventuality.

Addressing a Meeting of the Consultative Committee attached to Defence Ministry here today, Antony said in the emerging scenario, the role of the Armed Forces will be critically important.

While lauding the role of DRDO Scientists in nation building, the Defence Minister asked them to cut down cost and time overruns.

He also asked them to develop products and systems in consultation with and to the satisfaction of the end user, i.e. the Armed Forces.

Antony complimented DRDO for the successful landing and takeoff of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Tejas at Leh in subzero weather conditions. (ANI)