Huge scope for exporting missles, weapon system: DRDO chief

Saraswat however said the requirements of the country's Armed Forces will have to be met first since the production capacity is limited.

"Our technology and the weapon system are competitive. There is tremendous export potential ...But we have to first make sure we have real output in terms of numbers and quality," Saraswat told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

"Once that happens and once we are satisfied... I think in few years from now India would be in a position to export systems to friendly countries," Saraswat, who is also Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister said, adding, however exports policy will be restrictive and in areas of country's interest.

Noting that there was demand from other nations for recently inducted Aakash surface-to-air missiles, Saraswat said, "Since our production capacity today is limited, we have to first meet the requirement of our own armed forces. We are now trying to harness efforts of other industries to meet production requirement."

Saraswat also said that "the impact of Agni-V launch has given us confidence... We are not dependent on any nation as far as missile technology is concerned. There was a time when missile technology controlled regimes throttled our progress. But today we are in a position to not only manufacture for ourselves but ready to go from being a purchaser to exporter".

Emphasising the need for participation by the industry, he said, "Industry is going to participate... If this country has to be self-reliant (in defence equipment) it has to be through development and research work not only in DRDO, but in the industry sector."

"We need to augment our development capability in industrial sector by converting our partner component manufacturers into sub-system developer and the Indian (defence) industry should grow up to take the challenge," he said.

To a question,, Saraswat said the Tatra issue was an aberration and "we should not take (read) too much" out of it. PTI VVK ABC RBT GSN