6 days ago
Our systems battle-tested: Defence organisation says Op Sindoor to boost exports
India is poised for a major leap in defence exports as interest surges from global buyers, particularly after the success of Operation Sindoor, said DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat at the CII Annual Business Summit. He noted that India's battle-tested military systems have enhanced international confidence in its defence technology.'After Operation Sindoor, I am hopeful that exports will increase because the equipment has become battle-tested, and other countries will show interest in buying it,' Dr Kamat said. Highlighting the changing global perception, he added, 'We are already exporting to 100 countries.'advertisementThe government, he said, is actively working to ease the export process. 'The government is making every effort to increase exports, and licensing for export is being liberalised,' he explained.
India's defence attaches are also promoting indigenous equipment in foreign markets. 'One of the biggest advantages India holds today is that its weapons systems are battle-tested — a key factor that builds buyer confidence in international markets,' Dr Kamat about the need to strengthen research and development, Dr Kamat said, 'We need to invest more in research and development. Today, we spend 5 per cent of our Defence budget on R&D. The Raksha Mantri has promised us that in the next five years, this will increase gradually to 10% of the Defence budget.'Dr Kamat also shared updates on the indigenous missile system under development. On BEL Kusha project, Samir V Kamat said, "Its first missile development trial will happen this year. We hope that its full development will be completed in 2028 and then its induction will start."advertisementThe indigenous Kusha missile system, developed for strategic defence applications, will undergo its first test in successful trials and evaluations, the production of the missile system will commence in 2029, reinforcing India's advanced missile FIGHTER PROGRAMWith private sector participation approved for India's next-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), the project is moving ahead with renewed vigour. The first flight is scheduled for 2029, and full-scale production is targeted for support development, five prototypes of the AMCA will be built. Dr Kamat called the project a significant step toward self-reliance in combat aviation and a major milestone in India's indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft InMust Watch
