Despite the hype, India remains far from making it as a defence exporter (Opinion)
India is proud of its Light Combat Aircraft. But is it modern? The programme's development commenced 40 years ago?
There are positive signs of growth in India's defence exports, but there can be no denying that the country is punching well below its weight.
With Aero India 2023 just around the corner – an event that the Indian government only announced in late November – it is time to discuss the state of India’s defence industry, particularly its exports.
The MoD’s ‘last-minute’ Aero India declaration sums up all that is wrong with India’s defence establishment. Announcing the dates of an international air show 2.5 months before it opens is just ridiculous.
Then again, the sudden postponement of DefExpo 2022, a week before it was to open in Ghandinagar last March, was probably worse. The government claimed this was due to ‘logistics problems experienced by participants’.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost]()
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
![Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide]()
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
