By Vivek Dubey
CNBC-TV18.com
Published Feb 20, 2024
In 2023, India witnessed record defence exports and all-time high defence production, in efforts to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence.
Defence exports crossed an all-time high of nearly ₹16,000 crore in FY2022-23, with India exporting to more than 85 countries.
The Dornier-228 was among the products exported by 100 Indian firms, highlighting India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
The Brahmos Missiles and Akash Missile System were also part of India’s defence exports, demonstrating India’s advanced defence technology.
The 155 mm Advanced Towed Artillery Guns were a significant part of India’s defence exports in 2023.
The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Helicopter Factory, India’s largest helicopter manufacturing facility, was opened at Tumakuru in Karnataka.
The first twin-seater LCA Tejas was handed over to the Indian Air Force earlier this year, marking a significant milestone for India’s defence sector.
The defence ministry formally inducted the C-295 MW transport aircraft into the IAF, a collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus Defence and Space SA, Spain.
In FY2022-23, defence production in India crossed ₹1 lakh crore for the first time, up from ₹95,000 crore in FY2021–22.
The central government is working with defence industries to promote defence production in India, focusing on ease of doing business and integration of MSMEs and startups.
In its focus on Nari Shakti, the command of units by women officers commenced and a study on commissioning of women as junior commissioned officers (JCO) in arms and services is ongoing.