Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar feels that the synergy between DRDO and industry in developing products has provided the needed thrust for exporting defence products globally.

“We are taking steps in this direction and I am sure that our missiles and weapon systems will be well-received in the global market,” he said while reviewing the activities of the labs at the APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex here.

Exports to Vietnam Recent media reports said India was close to export its Akash missiles to Vietnam, which had already negotiated purchase of the supersonic cruise missile BrahMos.

Akash, the medium range surface-to-air missile, developed by DRDO and manufactured by the public sector Bharat Dynamics Ltd can hit targets like aircraft, tanks, drones etc. The organisation had also got enquires from other countries for different products.

Parrikar said private industries and the MSME sector should tap the knowledge and infrastructure of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This will lead to the establishment of a self-reliant defence industrial ecosystem in the country.

At present, the industries are significantly contributing in the realisation of various defence products with the knowhow provided by DRDO. A few have even graduated as lead integrators. The partnership between DRDO and industries is transforming the country into a global manufacturing hub, the minister said.

Tie-ups with varsities Parrikar visited the integration centre at Research Centre Imarat. He was briefed by S Christopher, Secretary, DD&D and Chairman, DRDO, along with G Satheesh Reddy, Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister and Director General, Missiles and Strategic Systems on various technological developments.

Parrikar complimented the scientists for the recent successful missions, including smart anti-airfield weapon, long-range ballistic missiles Agni V & Agni IV, guided Pinaka and Astra. The initiatives taken by the DRDO in signing MoUs with various universities in diversified research areas need to be further strengthened by frequent interactions for realisation of futuristic technological products, he said.

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