NO INDIGENOUS HARDWARE ON JAN 26?

NO INDIGENOUS HARDWARE ON JAN 26?

Watching the TV coverage of the Fly Past at yesterday's Republic Day parade,
I was deeply saddened.

There was not a single indigenous aircraft on display. (the Do 228 can
hardly be considered indigenous)

It is a very sad reflection on our aircraft industry. We cannot even boast
of an indigenous basic trainer, 65 years after Independence. There doesn't seem to be anything worthwhile in the pipeline either. (Any

takers for the LCA?)

India has the doubtful distinction of being the world's largest importer of
military equipment, our Air Force probably forming a huge part of it.
What has our much publicised DRDO and HAL produced for the Air Force?
The only truly indigenous combat aircraft was the Marut (HF-24). Yes, the
Chief Designer was a German. But the entire design team (barring six other
Germans) was Indian. And the aircraft was manufactured in India. (The lack
of a matching engine is another sad story, the blame for which must be
shared by the DRDO and the then government).

The Marut acquitted itself honourably in the 1971 Ops, and is very fondly
remembered by all those who flew or maintained it. Yet, it was given a most unceremonious funeral. Some of the aircraft were put to pasture with only single digits flown in their log books! It only goes to prove that we are a very rich country inhabited by very poor people; Is there no way out of this downward spiral?

PS  The recognition denied to the Marut (HF-24) is best exemplified by the
fact it does not feature in the official website of HAL and has never
appeared on any of the large glossy Air Force calendars to date.