Secunderabad, Dec 25 : Defence Minister A. K Antony has said the security environment in the region has necessitated the induction of sophisticated and costly armed forces equipment.

Addressing flying cadets after reviewing the Combined Graduation Parade at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, near Hyderabad, Antony asked airmen to “Fully understand and acquire knowledge of application of new technologies, enable to exploit aerospace power to the optimum, as the coming years will see rapid changes in weapon technology that fundamentally alter the very nature of warfare.”

He called upon cadets, to keep abreast of the latest developments in the spheres of defence strategy, doctrine and technology.

Later speaking to the media, Antony said the security situation around the country is a matter of serious concern and the armed forces needed to be vigilant.

“The Indian armed forces must be prepared to meet any challenge from any quarter to defend the territorial integrity of the country. As a result, we are modernizing the armed forces,” he said.

Expressing satisfaction over the situation improving along India’s border with Pakistan Antony said: “The army assessing the situation as nothing has been imposed on them.”

He said cross border infiltration bids have also come down. (ANI)