India is reaching new heights of manufacturing new weapons and warheads. Defence sector has shown a steep spurt in manufacturing and now, the direction toward exporting those arms and weapons has also become a good option for India. India has exported some arms and weapons to other small nations in the past. But now, with the hike in indigenous manufacturing, the count will go high.
In the recent past, India has exported light helicopters to Nepal, Afghanistan and Namibia. HMX-X2 Sonar, which was developed by DRDO, was exported to Myanmar. Barracuda, the offshore, patrol vessel was bought by Mauritius in December, 2014. Apart from this, Goa Shipyard Limited is currently indulged in building two OPVs for Srilanka and India seems to be exporting more vessels and ships to Srilanka and other south Asian nation in future.
Not only exports, but India has also supported some nations like Vietnam in upgrading weapons and machines like T-55 and BMP tanks. The Petya class frigates of Vietnam will be upgraded by India for installation of sonar, torpedo launchers and other accessories. Last year, Malaysia and India started “S-30 forum” for exchanging information on maintenance and technical support for Su-30 aircraft. Private defense manufacturing companies are also involved in raising India export power. L&T will sell interceptor crafts to Vietnam, which it has manufacturing for Indian coast guard. Some other weapons that are attracting other nations are:-
- Varunastra – It is a heavy weight torpedo developed by DRDO and is expected to be exported to Vietnam. It has recently been inducted in Indian navy. Currently it can only be fired from ship based launchers, but defense agencies are working hard to make it capable to be launched from submarines.
- Brahmos – The cruise missile manufactured by India and Russia is also considered as a good option for exporting it to other nations. Most interestingly, about 15 nations, including Brazil, Egypt, South Africa and Philippines, are seen interested in buying Brahmos missile.
- Tejas – Tejas, the indigenous aircraft is also in the list of exporting items. Indian defense agencies are involved in installing Kaveri engine into Tejas that will make it more affordable and more efficient for other nations.
- Missiles – Akash is a surface to air missile manufactured by India. Vietnam along with other ASEAN and few African nations are in the queue to buy it. Currently Indian Armed Forces have given orders of bulk manufacturing of the missile. Prahaar is also reported to be in the list, which has just resumed testing. The airframe of this missile is same as that of Advanced Air Defense (AAD). Astra, which is Beyond Visual Range Air-To Air (BVRAAM) missile and compatible with Sukhoi, is also in the list.
Conclusion – India is one of the biggest arms importer, but now it is taking steps to increase its export score. India has manufactured many warheads and weapons indigenously and many with the joint venture with other developed nations. Brahmos, Scorpene submarine, INS Vikrant and many more are there. The future in defense exports is bright and it can be a good way to boost relations with other small Asian nations.
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