Chennai: In a major move to boost domestic defence manufacturing, the government on Wednesday approved the export of indigenously-developed surface-to-air Akash missile system and set up a panel to ensure faster approvals for acquisition proposals by various countries.
The Akash missile systems have over 96 per cent indigenous components and the weapon can hit targets at a range of 25 km.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the export version of Akash missiles would be different from the system currently deployed with Indian armed forces.
The decision to export the missile systems was taken at a Cabinet meeting presided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Under the #AtmaNirbharBharat, India is growing in its capabilities of manufacturing a wide variety of Defence platforms & missiles. The Cabinet chaired by PM @narendramodi ji today approved the export of Akash Missile System and a Committee for faster approvals has been created,” Rajnath tweeted.
He said Indian defence exports so far included parts and components.
“The export of big platforms was minimal. This decision by the Cabinet would help the country improve its defence products and make them globally competitive,” the Defence Minister said.
Rajnath said the government intends to focus on exporting high-value defence platforms with an aim to achieve a target of USD five billion in defence exports and improve strategic relations with friendly foreign countries.