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.
Four out of seven Advanced Light Helicopters India sold to Ecuador in 2008 crashed within a few years. India's defense exports must be quality controlled.
In tactical terms, the shirtless protest was worse than a self-goal. Suddenly, the fiascos of the AI Summit were forgotten, and the Youth Congress’s disruption became the issue.
IAF is fine with accepting the aircraft with 'must-haves', even if some other steps remain pending, which may take at least another year, it is learnt.
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