Going ahead with its target of exporting high value defence platforms, the Union Cabinet today approved export of Akash missile system and also created a committee for faster approval of such exports. Under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat, India is growing in its capabilities of manufacturing a wide variety of defence platforms and missiles.

Akash is an important missile with over 96 percent indigenisation. The surface-to-air missile with a range of 25 Kms was inducted in 2014 in IAF and in 2015 in Indian Army.

After its induction, many friendly countries had shown interest in Akash missiles during international exhibitions and defence expos like Aero India. The Cabinet approval will facilitate Indian manufactures to participate in RFI/RFP issued by various countries.

So far, Indian defence exports included parts/components, etc. The export of big platforms was minimal. This initiative of the Cabinet would help the country to improve its defence products and make them globally competitive.

The export version of Akash will be different from the system currently deployed with Indian Armed Forces.

According to government sources, besides Akash, countries have shown interest in other major platforms like coastal surveillance systems, radars and air platforms. To provide faster approvals for export of such platforms, a committee comprising defence minister, external affairs minister and National Security Advisor has been created.

This committee would authorise subsequent exports of major indigenous platforms to various countries. The committee would also explore various available options including the government-to-government route.

The Government of India intends to focus on exporting high value defence platforms, to achieve a target of five billion USD of defence export and improve strategic relations with friendly foreign countries..