In a bid to boost defence exports, the Union cabinet on Wednesday approved export of indigenously developed Akash, a surface-to-air missile, to friendly countries.
The cabinet also approved setting up of a committee comprising of Defence Minister, External Affairs Minister and National Security Advisor, which will provide faster approvals for export of other major platforms where many foreign countries have shown interest. These include coastal surveillance system, radars and air platforms. The government intends to focus on exporting high value defence platforms to achieve the target of 5 Billion USD of defence export and improve strategic relations with friendly foreign countries.
“After Akash missile's induction into the Services, interest is shown in it by many friendly countries during International Exhibitions. The cabinet approval will facilitate Indian manufactures to participate in buying process of other countries,” the government statement said.
Under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat, India is growing in its capabilities of manufacturing wide variety of defence platforms and missiles. Akash is country’s important missile with over 96 per cent indigenisation. It has a range of 25 kms. The missile was inducted into the IAF in 2014 and into the Army in 2015.
The Indian defence exports, so far, included parts or components. The export of big platforms was minimal. This initiative of the cabinet would help the country improve its defence products and make them globally competitive. The export version of Akash will be different from the system currently deployed with Indian Armed Forces, officials said.
The government said the three-member committee would authorise subsequent exports of major indigenous platforms to various countries. The committee would also explore various available options including the government-to-government route.
