India Needs Single Window Clearance For Defense Exports

“India needs policy mechanism for exporting weapon systems. A Single window clearance for sale of arms to friendly foreign countries has been suggested by DRDO,” Avinash Chander, Scientific Adviser to Defense Minister and Chief of Defense Research and Development Organization said.

Speaking at an event hosted by the Aeronautical Society of India, in Hyderabad, Chander said, “There is huge potential for defense exports made in India. Light combat aircraft ‘Tejas’, ‘Akash’ air defense systems, ‘Prahar’ class of missiles and ‘BrahMos’ supersonic cruise missiles are on the offering. The cost of the production would be much lower than weapons sold by China.”

It takes about one and a half year to begin supplies once clearance is given, he said.

Tejas is a lightweight, multi-role, single-engine tactical fighter aircraft. Akash, a surface-to-air missile, has a range of 25 kms. Prahar is a 150 km-range tactical missile system while BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile with a strike range of 290 kms.

“Several countries have shown interest in the Akash missile system, which was ready to be inducted into the Army. There was a scope for exporting 500-1,000 indigenously developed LCA Tejas combat aircraft.” Chander added.

The statement comes after the Prime Minister; Narendra Modi pitched for making India self-reliant and possible exports in the defense sector.