Army chief General V K Singh, on Thursday, stressed the need for the induction of sophisticated and costly equipment in the Armed Forces.
Speaking as the chief guest in the Combined Graduation Parade of the Air Force Academy at Dundigal, Gen. Singh said that the induction of sophisticated equipment to create a secure environment in the region has been long overdue, and that this need could not be fulfilled due to a constraint on resources.
"These constraints will continue to exist, and it will be your duty to handle the equipment provided to you with care and efficiency," he told the 175 flight cadets who passed out of the Academy.
"As a growing regional power, India's 'strategic footprint' will be influenced by its interests and responsibilities. The burgeoning economy of a resurgent India makes energy and trade security as important as the country's territorial security," the Army chief said.
He said that in order to meet its security challenges, India would need some strategic reach.
Welcoming the cadets into the fraternity of the Indian Armed Forces, Gen. Singh expressed hope that they would perform their duties with determination.
Later, while talking to reporters, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (Training Command) Air Marshal D Kukreja and Air Force Academy Commandant Air Marshal P R Sharma said that the number of seats in the Academy would be increased from 280 to 750.
A proposal in this regard has already been sent to the Centre for approval, they said.
Further, PC-7, a twin-cockpit aircraft from Switzerland, would be inducted to train the cadets, from 2013. (INN)