"We need to send an unambiguous message to the high and mighty that the national security is paramount and anyone trying to play with its sanctity will be severely punished. Lack of action in such cases will only give wings to the corrupt to continue with such anti-national activities in future and is, therefore, not acceptable," the statement read. Corruption in defence purchases has a debilitating impact on India's defence preparedness, it said, citing the Bofors scandal as a case in point. While the Swedish firm was blacklisted, India lost out on further supply and indigenous development of an excellent artillery gun, seriously impacting the Army's capability and modernisation effort, the statement added. A prime reason for corruption in defence deals has been the delay in prosecuting those responsible for it, it said.