Indian Military/Defence Exports

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/manupubby/status/1839954751800148208 ---> In a first for India, Tata to set up major defence manufacturing line abroad. Armoured vehicles plant to come up at Casablanca, to cater for Morocco and African market. To produce all terrain WhAP vehicles.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/1839668071323344970 ---> Congratulations Tata! As per media of Morocco: The nation of Morocco signed an agreement with Tata Motors for the establishment of a factory operating in military industry. The factory will manufacture WHAP heavy 8×8 IFV, which will therefore equip the Moroccan Land Forces.

https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/1839737661436899535 ---> The said project will be carried out within a maximum period of 36 months with a local integration rate of 35% at start-up, eventually increasing to 50%, and will result in the creation of 90 direct jobs and 250 indirect jobs in Morocco.

[Rakesh]

WhaP now has a foreign pathway into Indian Army service. See tweet below.

https://x.com/AdithyaKM_/status/1839668839258497198 ---> Press release from Morocco: National Defense Administration indicates an agreement has been signed with TASL for local production of WhAP 8x8 by local subsidiary. Tata Advanced Systems Maroc (TASM) to meet local demand and export to foreign markets.

[Rakesh]

Tata to build 150 DRDO-developed WhAP armoured vehicles for Morocco
https://aninews.in/news/national/genera ... 928115151/
28 Sept 2024

[BhairavP]

If our Army/MoD have any shame, they'll place an order immediately for this. They seem to be sold out to the Americans. Wonder how much jizya we are paying to the goras.

[S_Madhukar]

Our great martial plans of mechanisation were probably retired after Gen Sundarji retired. I wonder how he must have squirmed seeing this tamasha specially CI on foot patrols. I wonder if we pay any attention to troop fatigue when they have to do these ops in our own terrain without access to such vehicles or choppers .

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/AjayshreeSamby3/status/18 ... 2885213326 ---> Samtel Avionics has signed a contract with Malaysian Air Force to equip all its Sukhoi Su-30s with its Multi Function Displays (MFD) and Head Up Displays (HUD). It currently has multiple air forces around the world as its customers.

[Neela]

https://www.business-standard.com/exter ... 396_1.html

Armenia placed a $720-million order for 15 indigenously developed Akash-1S air defence systems in 2022, making it the Bharat Dynamics Limited platform's first international customer.

Doesn't this make the largest ever export order. Philippines Brahmos is $375million

While Armenia is the first foreign customer for the air defence system, other countries like Brazil are also keen on the co-production and co-development of its advanced versions, added The Times of India report. One source told the national daily that Brazil "wants an inter-governmental agreement" regarding the Akash system, adding that "talks are underway".

What about BrahMos exports?

After India clinched a $375-million contract with the Philippines in 2022 for the export of three BrahMos anti-ship coastal missile batteries, other countries belonging to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) grouping, along with some Gulf nations, are also showing increasing interest in acquiring the missiles that have been co-developed by India and Russia, added the national daily.

[Rakesh]

India Gifts High-Speed Fast Interceptors To Mozambique
https://bharatshakti.in/india-gifts-hig ... ozambique/
09 Nov 2024

[Rakesh]

VIDEO: https://x.com/ANI/status/1855165155342270490 ---> Delhi: On France evaluating Made-in-India Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher systems for its requirements, French Army's Brigadier General Stephane Richou says, "We are sharing equipment. When I see the level of individual integration for the development of this equipment, the Indians and French are co-building submarines here in India. Scorpene class submarines are the most complicated system that man has been able to build. We are doing that together... For us, the industry of Indian defence is very effective. We are looking at the capacities offered by India as much as we are looking at the capacities of the highest countries providing equipment. For us, India is a strategic partner. We are evaluating Pinaka because we need a system like that and we are evaluating this among the other systems of the highest countries... This is much more than a business partnership, this is cooperation."

https://x.com/ajitkdubey/status/1855167435848159652 ---> Big: French Army evaluating Pinaka multi barrel rocket launcher systems for its requirements. The highly capable cost effective weapon system can be a big success in foreign markets.indian firms Solar Industries, Larsen and Toubro and Tata making the @DRDO_India developed system which is being further developed by the premier research agency.

[srin]

Why do I have a feeling that they will only want it to supply Ukraine?

[Neela]

https://swarajyamag.com/news-brief/defe ... er-brahmos

Defence Update: India Sends First Akash Weapon System Battery To Armenia, Second Missile Export After BrahMos

The Akash was first inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2014 and into the Indian Army in 2015. In 2022, Armenia agreed to acquire 15 Akash systems in a deal worth approximately Rs 6,000 crore, making it the first country to purchase this system from India.

[Rakesh]

Bought by Armenia, being studied by France, Pinaka rocket system becomes more powerful
https://theprint.in/defence/bought-by-a ... l/2356947/
14 Nov 2024

Work is also ongoing on a guided Pinaka system with ranges of 120km, 150km & 200km to counter China's long-range guided rocket systems. The existing Pinaka has a range of about 37km.

[basant]

The range for the advanced version is 75 km as per a few a news sources. For example:

"Pinaka rocket system, developed by DRDO, can reach a target that exceeds 75 km."
Pinaka rocket system: Will the French buy India's advanced multi-barrel rocket launchers?

[Manish_P]

How would you decide if you are 100% confident of the performance of a weapons system. Genuinely asking.

Not withstanding the low sevicability of russi maal overall.

Rumors afloat online of Azerbaijan making discrete back-channel requests for Indian artillery, especially ATAGs.

This after publicly disparaging it's quality in the hands of Armenia.

[ritesh]

Not withstanding the low sevicability of russi maal overall.

Rumors afloat online of Azerbaijan making discrete back-channel requests for Indian artillery, especially ATAGs.

This after publicly disparaging it's quality in the hands of Armenia.

Need to arm Armenia to teeth. Azeris needs to be taught a good lesson.

[Rakesh]

Azerbaijan wants Indian weapons, New Delhi ignores request through friendly country
https://theprint.in/diplomacy/azerbaija ... y/2403536/
16 Dec 2024

The largest economy in the South Caucasus, Azerbaijan has a growing partnership with Türkiye & Pakistan. Economic ties between India & Azerbaijan remain strong.

[Rakesh]

Exclusive: Vietnam, India close to finalising BrahMos deal
https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive ... eal-786028
22 Dec 2024

[Rakesh]

India, Indonesia working on BrahMos missile deal
https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indi ... al-8609013
11 Jan 2025

The Brahmos missile, known for its speed and precision would significantly enhance Indonesia's coastal and maritime defense capabilities.

[Rakesh]

India’s state-owned HSL in talks with Vietnam for submarine refits
https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indi ... e_vignette
12 Jan 2025

The country’s oldest shipyard has steadily made its way to a robust shipbuilder while reporting its highest-ever turnover and profit in its history during the last financial year. It recorded a turnover of ₹1,413 crore, with a profit of ₹119 crore.

[Rakesh]

Armenia to tow Indo-French artillery gun system
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ne ... 275292.cms
15 Jan 2025

[Rakesh]

India Scoring BrahMos Export Orders. But What Took So Long?

Have you ever wondered why it took India nearly two decades to start exporting the excellent BrahMos missile system, despite its induction into the Indian military in the mid-2000s? What were the reasons behind this delay, and how has India now finally started to capitalize on the export potential of this advanced missile system?

The BrahMos missile is a game-changer in the world of defense technology, with its medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile capabilities making it an attractive option for countries looking to enhance their defense systems. But what makes it so special, and why are countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam lining up to get their hands on it?

[Rakesh]

R-Day diplomacy: Indonesia eyes BrahMoS counter to Beijing's bullying
https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-i ... 2025-01-22
22 Jan 2025

Jakarta's negotiations to acquire the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from India have gained momentum ahead of president Prabowo Subianto's visit as the Republic Day chief guest.

[Rakesh]

Mega BrahMos missile deal expected later this yr, 2nd foreign order on the horizon after Philippines
https://theprint.in/defence/mega-brahmo ... s/2490615/
12 Feb 2025

The BrahMos, a joint venture between India and Russia, is the only supersonic cruise missile in the world that flies at three times the speed of sound.

[Rakesh]

Philippines military eyes more upgrades, including 'dream' submarines
https://www.newswatchplus.ph/news/2025/ ... rines.html
12 Feb 2025

he Philippines is looking to buy more military hardware to modernize its arsenal, including additional BrahMos missiles from India and at least two submarines, the chief of the armed forces said on Wednesday.

[Neela]

Mega BrahMos missile deal expected later this yr, 2nd foreign order on the horizon after Philippines
https://theprint.in/defence/mega-brahmo ... s/2490615/
12 Feb 2025

The BrahMos, a joint venture between India and Russia, is the only supersonic cruise missile in the world that flies at three times the speed of sound.

Remember a very distinct news report which quoted Brahmos company that "Brahmos exports alone can reach the $5B / Rs.35,000 cr target set by PM"

[Rakesh]

Bharat Forge unit bags contract to supply first-ever India-made artillery cannons to the US
https://www.cnbctv18.com/market/bharat- ... 561592.htm
19 Feb 2025

The LOI was signed at the IDEX 2025 defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi, and marks a significant milestone in KSSL’s collaboration with AM General, a global leader in military vehicle platforms.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/KOMARMIES/status/1892919624859062631 ---> Interesting vehicle to produce in partnership with India @TataMotors in the same industrial unit that will produce WhAP 8×8. This vehicle is ideal to equip the Moroccan Army and also for the African market, representing a strong demand for this type of mobile light armored vehicle.

[A_Gupta]

Also talks about other Philippines purchases and developments in China.

Why Philippines Is Eyeing Even More Indian Missiles

Indian media reports say negotiations are wrapping up for the Philippines’ acquisition of India’s Akash short-range missile. If the US$200 million sale goes ahead, it would be New Delhi’s second major missile sale to Manila after the BrahMos in 2022. The Philippines is also eyeing more BrahMos missile systems to complement those that arrived in 2024.

[Rakesh]

India Becomes Armenia’s Largest Defense Supplier
https://jamestown.org/program/india-bec ... -supplier/
12 Sept 2024

[Rakesh]

India eager to work with UAE for defence co-production and co-development: Rajnath Singh
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ne ... 104818.cms
09 April 2025

India is looking forward to collaborating with the UAE on the co-production and co-development of weapon systems, according to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Both countries are keen to pool resources for technological innovation. Discussions between the ministers covered regional and global security, as well as current defence cooperation initiatives, including military exercises and training programs.

[ernest]

In the aftermath of Op Sindoor, I believe it behooves India to start exploring a military base in Armenia. Armenia will also welcome this, given the Russian bases are not proving enough. Would lead to greater cooperation and enhance regional security in face of rogue power games in the region. A good outcome for both India and Armenia.

India now has to start acting like a major world power, and this will be a good follow up to the beating that Pakistani forces received. Our MIC and foreign influence will both receive a boost. Since Turkey and Azerbaijan's support for Pakistan, it is only natural that we make a permanent presence in their neighborhood. Also, our presence can prevent another genocide like event in that region.

Thoughts?

[Thakur_B]

Why do we need a base in Armenia?
Whom do we intend to target from the said base?
How will we resupply the base in events of hostilities?
Turkey has sold weapons and gives ideological support to Paxtan. So do many other nations that we are friendly with.

[Prem Kumar]

Op Sindoor has spectacularly backfired on China!

India should grab this opportunity with both arms!!

1) Go after each country which buys Chinese Arms, show them videos of how we destroyed their HQ-9s & how ineffective their drones were
2) Tell them that, for the same price, they get a 10X better Akash, Brahmos, ATAGS, WhAP, Pralay etc etc

Just grab the whole goddamn defense market!

[ernest]

Why do we need a base in Armenia?

Thanks for the questions. Let's think what are some good possibilities for all of these, starting with this. Not an expert in anyway, so feel free to correct me:

What purpose does a military base here serve?
- there will be wartime functions, and peacetime functions. Let's look at peacetime functions
- we have a major weapon's purchaser in Armenia, which also requires training maintenance and other support that will increase with time
- humanitarian relief efforts (gotta provide faster relief to Turkey during the next earthquake), and helping with evacuation of Indian national from nearby conflict zones
- intelligence gathering
- further, some of our allies, like Russia, might not be able to sustain their overseas presence. We can take over some part of their workshare ffor a peaceful rise as a global power
- our presence in the region can deter genocidal activities and war crimes against Armenians and Kurds. We can provide intel and proof using assets from the base, which can shape international opinion
- safeguard our IMEC investments, and more that will come in this region. This location will put Mediterranean as well as Middle East within reach of our LACMs. Much like how Russia use its Caspian sea fleet for targets in Syria. I do not hope it comes to that, but having that option will help, and have some deterrence value in the coming decades.
-Will be useful for use against "non state actors" that threaten our IMEC assets. Much like how a naval base in Arabian sea helps protect against piracy and Houthi missile attacks
- image building -just for assuring our allies that we are a growing and serious world power
- logistics
- counter terrorism
- As stated above by Prem Kumar, we will also have expanded defence export market in the future. An international base helps with that too, by showing India as a serious international power. Also for demos and support to existing customer, will lead to better utilization of those weapons and better marketing for them.

Whom do we intend to target from the said base?

- I guess, as of today, we do not intend to target anyone, but start building our presence farther away from our mainland. This base will serve as one of the nuclei for the long term, in case we want to protect our worldwide interests in the future, when we become on of the dominant economies in the coming decades.
- it might just act as a logistics base, or protection of our supplies in a future war depending on what is being flown where

How will we resupply the base in events of hostilities?

- since we have hardly any bases far away from India, we have to start somewhere. A follow on question from me would be how Russia supplies its bases there? Also, how do we supply our bases in Tajikistan. From current Indian perspective, it looks like we can supply it though Iran, like we do for our shipments to Afghanistan
- over the coming decades we will build more bases, and the evolving geopolitics will allow us more supply routes. Good to start having some presence and investments during peacetime towards that.

Turkey has sold weapons and gives ideological support to Paxtan. So do many other nations that we are friendly with.

- do not disagree. It is not as if we are going to war with Turkey. But Turkey is also not very pleased with IMEC (and future investments) and will use its proxies/"non-state actors" to harm our interests. Having a base there (and more later), we can go after those, not Turkish armed forces openly, unless needed. Counter terrorism is an important function. We will not enjoy seeing our investments threatened by non-state actors like what is happening to CPEC.

[drnayar]

all good points above., i would add such facilitates enable humint resources in critical parts of the world. Not everything can be done with satellites.

[ernest]

Thanks, drnayar ji. That is critical during both peacetime and wartime. Please keep adding more

As to the logic with Armenia hosting our next international base:
- US and Russia have both been largely ok with our engagement with Armenia in the military domain, a rare convergence
- They are our best importers and user of defence equipment

We should have a base in more neighboring countries too, including maritime neighbors in IOR. Get widespread Brahmos and SMART coverage in the region

[drnayar]

Op Sindoor has spectacularly backfired on China!

India should grab this opportunity with both arms!!

1) Go after each country which buys Chinese Arms, show them videos of how we destroyed their HQ-9s & how ineffective their drones were
2) Tell them that, for the same price, they get a 10X better Akash, Brahmos, ATAGS, WhAP, Pralay etc etc

Just grab the whole goddamn defense market!

also need to point out, its not just the weapons, but having the ability to integrate and use them in a very effective manner is critical to any success

" a blade of grass is a weapon when wielded by the skilled warrior"

India has certainly shown the world what it can do to a nuclear armed army .. no other country has done that .We have now what it takes, a powerful military and strong leadership. that's a potent combination.

[uddu]

Akash 1S for Philippines
https://idrw.org/india-and-philippines- ... ine-corps/

[Rakesh]

From Vietnam to Saudi Arabia, how countries are queuing up to buy BrahMos after Operation Sindoor
https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/fr ... 88409.html
14 May 2025