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?
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens]()
UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens
The UK has recently deployed a Type 45 destroyer to Cyprus and has bolstered its presence in the Middle East in recent weeks with supporting air power to protect neighbouring countries’ air defences.
-
![India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict]()
India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict
The latest escalation between Iran and Israel could shape New Delhi’s next-generation shield as India deepens cooperation with Israel on missile defence and drone production.
-
![Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?]()
Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?
The Pentagon spent a considerable number of THAAD and SM-3 rounds to defend against Iranian missiles in 2025 and has not fully replenished its reserves.
-
![New Zealand buys tri-service uncrewed kit from Syos Aerospace]()
New Zealand buys tri-service uncrewed kit from Syos Aerospace
As uncrewed technology continues to play an increasingly central role in modern military activities, New Zealand’s recent acquisitions point towards its the force’s focus on cost-effective capability.
