New Delhi, Monday, July 20, 2009: Defence Minister A K Antony today said it was “unfortunate and painful” that 70 per cent of defence equipment was still being imported and informed the Lok Sabha that government was working towards manufacturing state-of-the-art equipment indigenously.

“It is unfortunate and painful that 70 per cent of defence equipment is still being imported,” he said during the Question Hour.

Antony said till India reached a stage where it could provide state-of-the-art equipment, it would have to rely on imports. “If Indian products are not of state-of the art quality, using them would be dangerous,” he said.

The defence minister said his ministry had decided to accord first priority to Indian public and private companies, which are able to provide such equipment.