Parrikar sets $2-bn target for defence exports in 2 yrs

The Dollar Business Bureau

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has set a target of raising India’s defence exports to $2 billion in the coming two years. He said this during the Aerospace and Defence Summit held by Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India in New Delhi.

Indian defence exports have almost doubled from around $140- $150 million to reach $330 million at present. The government’s push in exports has shown good results. The Defence Minister has set a target to touch $2 billion defence exports in the next two years. The target is not impossible to reach as defence offsets are in the area from where exports as well as expertise can come to the country, the minister said.

Parrikar said that the ‘Make in India’ project to manufacture fighter aircraft and helicopters in our country would commence in another year. He held a series of meetings with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Indian Air Force (IAF) to discuss on export of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. After the discussions, the IAF has agreed to take 120 LCAs, he said.

Parrikar suggested few modifications that are needed in the production not only to manufacture and deliver to IAF but to also export to other countries. To achieve the target of $2 billion defence exports, the government is in talks with some countries in Africa for export of the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). The trial of the LCH is fixed in July-August period of this year. The Indian Army has ordered for 114 LCH along with HAL, and the IAF has ordered 65 LCH.

The demonstration of the LCH in releasing 70 mm rockets was held in the Iron Fist exercise of the IAF. The trials are planned for certification in this July-August with integration of mission sensors like electro optical system, helmet pointing system and weapon system such as air to air missiles, turret gun and rockets.

The LCH, a 5.5-tonne class combat helicopter has a sleek fuselage, tri-cycle crash worthy landing gear, self-sealing fuel tanks, armour protection, nuclear and low visibility features. This is designed for anti-tank and anti-infantry roles having a maximum speed of 275 kmph. As its operational ceiling will be 16,000-18,000 feet, the LCH is capable of high-altitude warfare.