CHENNAI: Having developed an array of defence systems over the past five decades, Defence Research and Development Organisation is now set to tap the overseas export market.
At a customary news briefing on the sidelines of three-day scientific exhibition “Science for Soliders and Society” organised at Combat Vehicle Research and Development Establishment, S Christopher, DRDO chairman, said marketing of Indian defence products is being keenly pursued. “We are in talks with a few friendly foreign nations. When Indian Army upgrades to the latest technology, the older systems become redundant. These systems have overseas market,” he said without naming the potential foreign customers with whom India is in touch with.
Another top DRDO official, who was present at the event, said light combat aircraft, unmanned aircraft such as Rustom-1 and Rustom-2/Tapas and the small Airborne Early Warning and Control System plane for surveillance are in the export list. Also, the missile variants like Astra and the Pinaka Mark 1 and 2 versions are probable contenders that India wish to customise and produce.
At the exhibition, DRDO has exhibited the miniature models of all the products and technological know-how. Christopher said work was underway on development of futuristic unmanned LCA, tactical sonar systems, advanced light weight torpedo, Airbus A330 class AEW&CS and hypersonic missile (BrahMos-II), currently under joint development by Russia and India. It has a range of 600 km and can be fired from ships, submarines, aircraft and land.
On development of Arjun Mk2 main battle tank, Christopher chose not to comment. DRDO scientists have been developing Arjun MK2 tank since 2012. Though it is said to be a substantially improved version of Arjun MK1, Indian army has reportedly objected to the tank carrying ‘overweight’. It currently weighs about 68 tonnes and CVRDE has taken-up the mantle to lighten the load. As the army’s contention is at 68 tonnes, Arjun Mk2 can’t be used for seamless operations.
Source: newindianexpress.com