DRDO to foray into export of military hardware

Aug 30 2007

After catering to the requirements of the Indian armed forces for decades, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is now eyeing export of military hardware taking advantage of lower production costs at home.

DRDO sees export potential for certain types of rifles, rockets, and radars, while it had also secured orders for delivery of BrahMos cruise missle developed by an Indo-Russian joint venture, its Chief Controller (R&D) Dr W Selvamurthy, told PTI here.

While DRDO's mandate continues to be to meet the requirements of India's defence forces, the research firm has found that the technologies, products and systems developed in the process have overseas market.

"The cost of R&D and production is less in the country. Our prices are very competitive in the international market. We may be able to export certain systems", Selvamurthy said.

DRDO would target friendly neighbouring countries as well as third world nations for exports; "other countries" have evinced interest to buy BrahMos missiles.

"But we will be selective in giving it (things developed by DRDO) to other countries. We cannot give it to those who are not friendly to India", the DRDO official said.

According to him, a Mumbai-based firm has sought permission to export respiratory masks, the technology of which was transferred to it by DRDO.