Modi government had in 2020 set an ambitious export target of Rs 35,000 crore or $5 billion in aerospace and defence goods and services for the next five years.
Defence exports were once seen as exceptions. Today, they are part of annual planning cycles. Startups now pitch to the Army in structured innovation challenges. PSUs participate in global tenders.
Defence Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar says Tejas production line, at HAL & GE, has stabilised & delivery will begin this yr. 5-day air show begins in Bengaluru on 10 February.
The once-dominant India-Russia defence relationship is waning. In its place, crude oil supplies have become the centrepiece of bilateral ties, signalling a fundamental shift.
While Azerbaijan is moving away from traditional arms supplier Russia and growing closer to Turkey & Pakistan, rival Armenia is depening defence ties with India, already a major supplier.
India's defence industry now supplies to over 90 countries, with exports growing by more than 30 times in 10 years. Equipment exported is wide-ranging, from small arms to armoured vehicles.
Private sector & DPSUs accounted for about 60% & 40% of the total exports. Growth is 32.5 percent as compared to previous fiscal, says defence minister.
French newspaper La Tribune earlier last week indicated that UAE withdrew from deal to fund EUR 3.5 billion. India is looking to order 114 new Rafales, which could include the F5.
China patiently invested capital, skill and technology in coal gasification. Unlike it, we won’t move from words to action. As crude prices decline, we lose interest.
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