India's Defence Exports Will Increase Because Indigenous Equipment War-Tested: DRDO Chief

DRDO chief Samir V Kamat, while speaking on India's ambitious fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, said that the development work should be completed by 2034 and the production will start from 2035.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman Samir V Kamat.

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Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman Samir V Kamat on Thursday said he was hopeful that India's defence exports will increase after 'Operation Sindoor' as indigenous military equipment has got war-tested. 

The DRDO chief, while speaking on India's ambitious fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, said that the development work should be completed by 2034 and the production will start from 2035.

He said that the first prototype of the advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) will be ready by the end of 2029.

The DRDO chief said that in this execution model of AMCA which has been approved, HAL can bid, private sector can bid, they can also bid as a joint venture. 

"So, this will open up participation of the private sector for fighter aircraft development," he added. 

The execution model approach provides equal opportunities to both private and public sectors on a competitive basis, the Defence Ministry had recently said. 

#WATCH | Delhi: On Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat says, "The execution model of AMCA has been approved. HAL can bid, the private sector can bid, they can also bid as a joint venture. This will open up participation of the private… pic.twitter.com/9sV6mxYAFP

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Speaking on the AMCA project, he further said, "The execution model of AMCA has been approved. HAL can bid, the private sector can bid, they can also bid as a joint venture. This will open up participation of the private sector for fighter aircraft development. The development work will be completed by 2034 and then production should start from 2035. The first prototype will be ready to fly by the end of 2029."

When asked if Indian defence exports will see an impact in the wake of Operation Sindoor, the DRDO chairman said, "After Operation Sindoor, I am very hopeful that defence exports will increase because these equipment has got war-tested. So, countries will show interest in acquiring them."    

During the Operation Sindoor, which Indian Armed Forces launched against the terror and military targets in Pakistan, indigenously developed Akash missile system and Akashteer air defence system were deployed by India.

Kamat also acknowledged the role of the Indian industry and academia, and said, "We have to achieve complete 'Atmanirbharta' in future." 

India has been working on the ambitious AMCA project to develop the medium weight deep penetration fighter jet with advanced stealth features to bolster its air power capability. AMCA along with the Tejas light combat aircraft are planned to be the mainstays of the Indian Air Force. 

The defence ministry on Tuesday said Singh has approved the execution model for AMCA that will be developed by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in cooperation with industry partners.