Artillery guns, drones and rifles part of India's latest export push

India will next week highlight the advances made in the indigenous defence manufacturing sector and showcase a range of locally produced weapons and systems before 35 countries with vital stakes in the Indo-Pacific region as part of an overarching drive to get a toehold in new markets and raise the country’s defence exports to meet goals, senior officials aware of the matter said on Friday.

- Rahul singh

The military hardware to be displayed by the Indian Army at the Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC) to be held on September 26-27 in Delhi to tap export opportunities includes artillery guns, a variety of drones, counter unmanned aerial systems, anti-drone guns and jammers, assault weapons, sniper rifles and ballistic protection gear, said one of the officials cited above, requesting anonymity.

This gathering, being jointly hosted by the Indian and US armies, will be the largest conference for land forces in the region, with 20 countries represented by their army chiefs and the rest by vice chiefs or deputy commanders. It will bring together the top military leaders to enhance collaboration and understanding in the Indo-Pacific with the goal of promoting peace, security and prosperity across the region.

India’s defence sector is characterised by a firm export push and an unprecedented cut back on imports under a multi-pronged self-reliance drive, said a second official, who also asked not to be named.