Pune: DRDO chairman Samir Kamat said on Saturday that the organisation's production value of defence systems was over Rs5.8 lakh crore, which would double in the next five years as its systems were finding applications in the Indian armed forces and foreign countries, including European nations. Kamat was the chief guest at the convocation ceremony of the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), a deemed university of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), at Girinagar near Khadakwasla.
"With the emphasis on self-reliance, our developed systems are increasingly finding applications in Indian armed forces. At the same time, our export interest is also increasing dramatically. Brahmos missiles, radars, sonars, advanced towed artillery guns (ATAGS), and Pinaka (multi-barrel rocket launchers) have found interest in Southeast Asian countries and European nations," said Kamat.
"The DRDO has had several successes over the past years. A series of tactical missiles ranging from Akash to Naag and newer quick reaction surface to air missiles have been successful. Several new missiles will be inducted into the service.
We will soon induct a man-portable anti-tank guide missile. We also had success in radars, sonars, and torpedoes. Our armament systems, ATAGS, and Arjun tanks, are effective.
Now we are developing light tank," he said. "The Naval Materials Research Laboratory has developed an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system that will significantly increas.