"The situation is serious but not alarming. Modernisation is a continuous process. We did not get ten years ago what we had asked for. But this does not mean that it is a national disaster or India will take it lying down if attacked," he said giving a talk on `Armed Forces and Media`, organised by Pune Shramik Patrakar Sangh here.
While stating that defence systems are not procured "overnight", Naik, however said there was a need to "speed up" acquisition process. He said the job of the Armed Forces was only to shortlist the equipment required and after that the processing of procurement was done by the Ministry of Defence.
Citing media coverage of the just tested Agni-V missile, the former Air Chief also advised journalists to ensure balanced reporting without blowing up the happenings out of proportion. "Do not beat our own drums. India is not going to run over China. Such impression does not create good feeling," he added. Journalists should go by their own "conscience" while handling selective leaks involving defence matters, Naik felt.