New Delhi, Nov 6 (IANS): Defence Minister A.K. Antony Wednesday asked the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to complete its projects within the prescribed time-frame.

DRDO should concentrate on high-end research, particularly in critical and strategic areas, Antony said at a high-level meeting here.

He asked the DRDO to invest more time and resources in fundamental research, lay more emphasis on major mission-mode programmes for the armed forces and pool together resources and talent available in academic and other research institutions.

The defence minister also asked DRDO to ensure that the initial operational clearance and final operational clearance of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) are completed on schedule, an official release said.

At present, 532 projects being carried out by DRDO are in various stages of implementation. While some projects have been completed, others are in different stages of production and induction, as well as in stages of development and trial.

Antony complimented DRDO for its several successes, and said the organisation has contributed to India's national defence preparedness and deterrence capability.