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<keyword id="6354785" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="france" source="Orion">France</keyword> wants to be <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>'s "best partner" in boosting its <keyword id="2377476" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="defence-manufacturing" source="Orion">defence manufacturing</keyword> and has decided to share the <keyword id="15204665" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="best-technologies-and-equipment" source="Orion">best technologies and equipment</keyword> in sync with the growing "trust" between the two sides, French Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain has said. Without divulging specific details, the envoy said French and Indian companies are working together on "equipment of the future", platforms and engines. "I do not think any country provides India with the same level of technology. The progress is also due to the fact that we recognise that India wants to boost its strategic autonomy, wants to build its industrial base and we want to be India's best partner in this move," he told PTI. Indo-French strategic ties have been on a major upswing after India inked an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016 for the procurement of 36 Rafale jets at a cost of around Rs 59,000 crore. "Defence has always been a very strong component of our cooperation because there is a lot of trust between our two countries. When you want to work on these issues, you need trust because you commit yourself for 10, 20, 30 years," Lenain said. "This trust is the main asset that we have. Defence cooperation has been developing very well because we are very comfortable with India and we have decided that we could share our best technology, state-of-the-art equipment, best-in-class technology," he said. The two sides are now looking at further bolstering the strategic partnership in view of the evolving global geo-political landscape triggered by the crisis in Ukraine and developments in the Indo-Pacific region. "From the beginning, we were the best partners in the Make-in-India policy. Now that India is switching to the Atma Nirbhar policy, we are also there for India," Lenain said. He said France is ready to co-develop equipment with India and share know-how. "Our companies are working together on the equipment of the future, on engines, on different sorts of equipment. It is very positive for both industries," he said. Lenain chose not to give a direct reply when asked about the possibility of the Indian Air Force procuring additional Rafales and whether France was also looking at supplying the naval version of the jet to the Indian Navy. "We are talking, and again, we are very much willing to provide state-of-the-art equipment. Everything is on the table and we do our best," he said. French aerospace major Safran has already set the ball rolling to set up its biggest maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Hyderabad with an investment of around USD 305 million. "It is a partnership of equals and it is a partnership to boost each other's strategic autonomy," Lenain said. Ways to expand defence and security cooperation figured during French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna's visit to India last month. In December last year, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said France has agreed to jointly build aircraft engine with India. In 2017, India unveiled the ambitious strategic partnership (SP) model to facilitate joint ventures between select private Indian firms and foreign defence majors to build military platforms like submarines and fighter jets in India. The SP model aims to create a vibrant defence manufacturing ecosystem in the country through joint ventures between Indian corporates and global defence majors. The government has initiated a series of measures in the last few years to boost domestic defence manufacturing. In March, the defence ministry said it plans to procure military equipment worth Rs five lakh crore from the domestic industries in the next five to seven years in line with its policy of promoting indigenous defence manufacturing. India has been one of the largest importers of arms globally. According to estimates, the Indian armed forces are projected to spend around USD 130 billion (one billion is equal to 100 crores) in capital procurement in the next five years. The government now wants to reduce dependence on imported military platforms and has decided to support domestic defence manufacturing. The defence ministry has set a goal of a turnover of USD 25 billion (Rs 1.75 lakh crore) in defence manufacturing in the next five years, including an export target of USD 5 billion worth of military hardware. SEE ALSO:

France wants to be India's best partner in defence manufacturing: French envoy Lenain

Since the launch of ‘<keyword id="6354869" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="make-in-India">Make in India</keyword>’ program, considerable thrust has been given to <keyword id="2377476" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="defence-manufacturing">defence manufacturing</keyword>. Transformation from being one of the largest importers of arms into a credible defence equipment manufacturer takes a lot. 
 
Country’s defence spending is expected to go beyond USD 600 billion by 2022 and every private company indulged into defence manufacturing wants a pie of that, especially when USD 150 billion of contracts are there to be awarded within a few years. 
 
Current scenario of Imports: 
 
 
 
 
Some of the Indian Companies in Defence Sector: 
· Mazagon Dock Ltd 
· Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd 
· Mahindra Defence Systems with Bae Systems &amp; Seabird Aviation (Private Player) 
· Rolta ( A Private Player) 
· Tata Advanced Systems with Boeing,Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation &amp; Israeli Aerospace Industries 
· Ashok Leyland ( Private Player) 
· Bharat Dynamics Ltd 
· Bharat Earth Movers Ltd 
· Bharat Electronics Ltd ( BEL) 
· Bharat Forge 
· Electronics Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL) 
· Garden Reach Shipbuilders &amp; Engineers Ltd 
· Goa Shipyard Ltd 
· HCL with Boeing &amp; Circore Aerospace Inc (Private Player) 
· Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd ( HAL) 
· Reliance Defence 
 
Defence Manufacturing, Exports and its future: 
 
Indian exports are negligible when it comes to the total market share on a global level. India has exported defence equipment to 22 countries over last one year, including UK, US, Israel and Russia. India exported forging equipment, electronic assemblies, flight panel controls to the US. 
 
India exported transmitting tubes to UK and MIG &amp; Sukhoi 30 aircraft spares and services to Russia. India’s major exports included Cheetal helicopters to Afghanistan, Dhruv helicopters and bulletproof jackets to Nepal, Sukhoi avionics and MIG spares to Malaysia, offshore petrol vessels and ammunition to Mauritius and Jaguar aircrafts and spares to Oman. 
 
Indian private players are looking for foreign partners as the foreign direct investment in defence sector is pushed up to 49%. Reliance defence had signed a manufacturing and maintenance deal potentially worth $6 billion with Russia's Almaz-Antey, the maker of an air defence system. Apart from the Akash air defence system, the government had cleared the purchase of five S-400 air defence systems that are estimated to cost about $4.5 billion. 
 
Similarly kalyani group tied up with Rafael of Israel to make Spike Anti-tank missiles for the Indian military. 
 
Indian private players are still far away from accessing the key sensitive technologies related to fighter aircrafts and nuclear submarines however they are approaching fast by the virtue of transfer of technology and domestic manufacturing set-up under the make in India program. What must is to invest heavily in R&amp;D facilities along with the collaboration of key government institutions like DRDO with the private partners. Incoming demands for defence equipment is heavy and it should only be fulfilled by boosting the manufacturing process along with minimum government interference and a feasible policy framework. 
 
(Image: Indiatimes)

Defence Manufacturing: Is India Inc. ready?

<keyword id="986787" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="tatra">Tatra</keyword>, the world-famous vehicle manufacturer from Czech Republic, is all set to join hands with <keyword id="2731751" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Reliance-Defence">Reliance Defence</keyword> to make <keyword id="1269948" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="military-trucks">military trucks</keyword> for India as well as foreign countries. This is the first major defence joint venture after the revolutionary relaxations in the FDI policy, which made it easier for foreign investors to venture into the defence manufacturing. 
 
As per the FDI norms, Reliance would have a majority stake of 51%, while Tatra would have the remaining 49%. 
 
Two weeks ago, the defence ministry received a letter about the impending JV. As per ET sources, the two companies are planning to partner for maintenance and overhaul facilities, upgrades as well as manufacturing units for the trucks in India and have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). 
 
The trucks would be manufactured at a new production unit at the Dhirubhai Ambani Defence Park, according to the 'Make in India' initiative. The companies are yet to start the process of registering the company and obtaining manufacturing licences. 
 
<a href="http://www.picturejockey.com/pblog/2012/4/images/tatra_truck.jpg">Image source</a>

Anil Ambani has got one of the world’s largest weapons-maker to partner it to create military trucks for India

<keyword id="9171" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Anil-Ambani">Anil Ambani</keyword> is stepping into defence industry and how. After he acquired the Pipavav shipyard, Ambani is now creating a cluster of companies and applying for licences to design, develop and manufacture military equipment ranging from UAVs and spacecraft to submarine systems. 
 His <keyword id="2900225" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Reliance-Defence-Limited">Reliance Defence Limited</keyword> (RDL) has quietly raised 11 new companies focused on defence - each of them targeting a potential market of at least Rs 10,000 crore. 
Executives told Economic Times that these companies would be used as joint venture partners with foreign manufacturers looking at the ‘Make in India’ initiative or for licence production of equipment. It is also looking to export defence products from India. 
 
Ambani also wants to beyond ship building and helicopter manufacturing, and has applied for at least 13 new licences to develop and produce military systems, with the hope for clearances by the end of this year. 
 
"The group will aim at a leadership position in the sector and is committed to deliver on time and give the best value proposition," Rajesh Dhingra, President, Reliance Defence &amp;Aerospace Pvt Ltd told ET, confirming the developments. 
 
The financial daily reported the applications show that RDL is keen on entering the core markets of land systems, unmanned aviation, defence electronics, submarine construction, production of missiles and development of engines for all platforms. 
 
The firm has also sought permission to manufacture spacecraft and satellites. 
 
RDL is also looking at the lucrative maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) business for both aircraft and naval vessels. 
 
Senior executives told ET that the company has been getting positive responses from global defence manufacturers that have been in talks over the past few months. 
As reported by ET, Anil Ambani has been personally driving the defence business and has met the leadership of almost all major defence manufacturers around the world. "The response from global OEMs has been exceptional and commitments received have the potential of transforming Indian defence industry in the next ten years," Dhingra told the financial daily. 
 
The business plan of RDL is believed to be based on the estimation that the requirement of military hardware in the next decade would exceed $250 billion. 
 
The company has also been on a hiring spree, picking up executives for its head office in Delhi as well as preparing the formal takeover of the Pipavav Shipyard. 
 
It is also in the race for several defence contracts, including a $2 billion order for landing platform docks (LPDs) which is nearing finalisation and two helicopter manufacturing projects worth over $3 billion that are in the initial stages. 
 
(Image: Indiatimes)

Anil Ambani is going for the kill in the defence sector, even as his elder brother creates ripples in telecom

The Cabinet Committee on Securities (CCS) will grant its final approval on the inclusion of Strategic Partners (SPs), a model that the government plans to enter into with private firms in critical and high-end defence projects like building submarines, helicopters and fighter planes requiring long term commitments, both ways.<o:p></o:p>
 Significantly, the government is keen to institutionalise an independent regulator to deal with private sector players that would be chosen as strategic partners for major <keyword id="3339557" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="defence-manufacturing-programs">defence manufacturing programs</keyword>. This independent regulator will be outside the purview of the Ministry of Defence and provide flexibility with unbiased view.<o:p></o:p>
 Defence Minister <keyword id="6363133" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Manohar-Parrikar">Manohar Parrikar</keyword> met senior industry representatives on April 25 and held open and frank discussions over the “strategic partnership” issue, which he assured will be evolved “through consultative process and over the next one month.”<o:p></o:p>

	“We are expecting to finalise the model by May end and there could be few more meetings, as needed,” a senior defence ministry official said. “The final paper --- after making constructive improvements --- will be taken up for finance approval and then put up to the CCS,” he added.<o:p></o:p>

	The move to appoint an independent regulator is also in line with the recommendations of the government appointed panel --- <o:p></o:p>

	VK Aatre led task force on selection of strategic partners –that has suggested an independent regulator and a special auditing wing to deal with private sector players chosen as SPs. <o:p></o:p>

	“A regulator will be put in place as existing policies procedures and mind sets are rigid and do not allow flexibility needed for technology intensive programs needing pragmatic view in contracting and monitoring,” sources who attended the meeting said.<o:p></o:p>

	Sources added that Parrikar assured the industry players that strategic partner model will be utilised only for very complex and technology intensive programs (more like single party buying process but after following due selection process). <o:p></o:p>

	The minister further asserted that wherever multiple sources are feasible and where certainty is higher, programs will go by the “Buy and Make (Indian)” route and the Strategic Partners model will be for just 3-4 select segments.<o:p></o:p>

	On queries by the industry, Parrikar said P75(I) submarines, helicopters and fighter aircrafts could be the segments that will be looked into for selection of SPs. Light Combat Aircraft MK2 itself could be pursued under the SP route. “With multiple helicopter and fighter programs there could be one or two strategic partners in either,” sources said.<o:p></o:p>

	Industry seniors who attended the meeting included those representing industrial chambers CII, FICCI, Assocham, PHD Chambers of Commerce.<o:p></o:p>

	The meeting comes after reservations were expressed in certain quarters over the concept which calls for identifying one or two partners in key defence manufacturing fields.<o:p></o:p>

	MoD had set up in May 2015 a committee of experts for amendments to DPP2013 and formulation of policy framework for “Facilitating Make in India” in Defence Sector through Defence Procurement Procedure. <o:p></o:p>

	This committee, chaired by Dhirendra Singh, in its report in July recommended Strategic Partnership Model with Private Sector Industries for high-end defence production. After Acceptance of these recommendations, a task force was constituted by the defence ministry for selection of Strategic Partners under former DRDO chief V.K. Aatre as chairman.<o:p></o:p>

	The committee's report had been submitted in Jan 2016, and it has categorised the sectors into two groups. The first group includes platforms like aircraft, helicopters, aero engines, submarines, warships, guns, including artillery guns, and armoured vehicles including tanks, and it has been suggested that only one partner should be finalised for these platform programs.<o:p></o:p>

	The second group includes strategic materials like metallic material and alloys, non-metallic material, including composites and polymers, and ammunition including smart ammunition, for which the Task Force said two partners can be identified.

	(Anupama Airy is the Founder and Editor of EnergyInfraPost.com and DefenceAviationPost.com. She can be reached at <a href="mailto:anupama.airy@gmail.com" target="_blank">anupama.airy@gmail.com</a>​, Twitter handle: @anupamaairy)

	(Image: Indiatimes)

Exclusive: An independent Defence Regulator soon for any private strategic deal

New Delhi, Feb 19 () Ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit here next week, the Cabinet Committee on Security on Wednesday approved a government-to-government deal to procure a batch of 24 MH-60 Romeo helicopters from the US at a cost of USD 2.6 billion.The bilateral agreement to seal the deal is expected to be signed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's talks with US President Donald Trump on February 25, top sources said.India is procuring the helicopters for the Indian Navy. The sources said the Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi also deliberated on the procurement of a missile defence system from the US at a cost of USD 1.86 billion. However, final approval to the deal has not been given yet, the sources said.The US approved the sale of the helicopters to India in April last year. The helicopters are expected to boost the Indian Navy's anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare operations.The chopper is designed to hunt down submarines. The fleet would replace aging British-made Sea King helicopters.Ahead of Trump's visit, the US approved the sale of an Integrated Air Defence Weapon System to India (IADWS).Defence and security ties between India and the US have been on an upswing in the last six years. The bilateral defence trade touched USD 18 billion mark in 2019, reflecting growing defence cooperation between the two sides. There has been indication that two sides may announce further deepening of defence ties during Trump's visit on February 24 and 25.Both sides have also been pushing for joint venture and collaboration between private sectors of the two countries in defence manufacturing.In June 2016, the US had designated India a "Major Defence Partner", intending to elevate defence trade and technology sharing with India to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners. MPB SMN

Govt approves USD 2.6 billion naval helicopter deal with US ahead of Trump's visit

The <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=US+India+ties&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">US</a> made few necessary and important changes in its <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=export+control+laws&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">export control laws </a>and recognising India as a 'Major Defence Partner'. 
 
This is going to benefit India immensely by facilitating smoother transfer of technologies and arms to it. 
 
The new rule that makes necessary changes in the export control laws "creates a presumption of approval" for Indian companies seeking to import Commerce Department-controlled <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=military+items&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">military items</a>, except Weapons of Mass Destruction-related goods. 
 
This means that only under the rarest circumstances will India be denied licenses, a source familiar with the changes said. 
 
"I'm pleased to see India's status as a 'Major Defence Partner' a designation that we have strongly supported be translated into tangible regulatory reform," said Mukesh Aghi, president of US India Business Council (USIBC). 
 
The new rule also amends the law so that companies will not need a license at all after becoming a Validated End User (VEU). 
 
"Indian and US companies operating in India can seek VEU status for both civil and military manufacturing, and by doing so not need to obtain individual licenses. This makes it far more convenient to build a global supply chain and react quickly to changing market conditions," explained Benjamin Schwartz, USIBC's Director for Defence and Aerospace. 
 
Over 810 licenses representing some USD 5 billion in trade in the last half decade have been granted for goods covered under this new rule. 
 
"This is a very favourable policy for Indian companies. The rule will make business substantially easier for Indian companies in the defence sector, especially those partnering with American companies. This gives Indian companies and US companies operating in India the ability to be reactive in real time to meet their supply chain needs," Schwartz said.

US just made changes to its export control laws and this is going to benefit India to build military items

<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=airbus">Airbus Group</a> said it can invest a whopping Rs 5,000 crore in India under the ‘<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=make+in+india">Make in India</a>’ programmes, adding it takes two to tango. 
 Pierre de Bausset, President and Managing Director of <keyword id="6356166" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Airbus">Airbus</keyword> Group India, said, “We are ready to do the same but it takes two to tango. We need the government to actually give us contract.” 
 
Meanwhile, European defence major Airbus Group also today cautioned that <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=FDI+in+defence">49 per cent FDI limit in defence</a> sector cannot fetch India the industry or the right original equipment manufacturer. 
 
"..forget about 49 per cent. It is not going to get an industry and it is not going to get OEMs (original equipment manufacturer) of quality. You may get a few but not the right ones," said Pierre. 
 
Pitching for "fair business", he said that in the beginning, their Indian partners will need them a lot before they become the real champions that India has in mind. 
 
"And when they need us a lot in the beginning, I want fair business. Fair business means that we need to have levels of controls that are appropriate for the risks that we are taking. 
 "So setting the limit at 49 per cent or whatever amount is not... you have to think in terms of how do you attract us, how do you attract talent, how do you make it a good win-win partnership and not a very straight-jacket in the beginning," he said addressing reporters here ahead of the <keyword id="982460" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Defence-expo">Defence Expo</keyword> later this month.

Airbus willing to invest Rs 5,000 crore in India, says it takes two to tango

After at least seven Indian corporate houses ventured into the defence sector, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Aditya-Birla-Group-would-soon-allow-employees-to-take-time-off-for-pursuing-their-entrepreneurial-ideas/articleshow/51024584.cms">The Aditya Birla Group</a> also has decided to take the plunge and add value to Indian government's 'Make in India' initiative. 
 
The conglomerate is controlled by <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/KM-Birla-thinks-budget-2016-needs-to-reboot-infrastructure/articleshow/50850369.cms">Kumar Mangalam Birla</a>, and its interests range from metals to mobile telephony, now plans to enter into joint ventures with US, Israeli and Russian companies to make components for aerospace and combat vehicles. 
 
Exploratory talks with companies such as Lockheed Martin, the world's largest defence contractor, US helicopter maker Sikorsky and Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems have already been initiated. Not only this, they have also appointed one of the Big Four global consultants to help them with strategies and identify partners for their new division, which would be headed by former strategy head Dev Bhattacharya. 
 
It was only after the government took several policy measures so that armed forces equipments can be locally manufactured that private Indian companies entered into the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Defence-Manufacturing-Is-India-Inc-ready/articleshow/50738348.cms">defence sector</a>. 
 Other <keyword id="460822" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-business-houses">Indian business houses</keyword> that have already started their defence businesses include the Tata Group, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Mahindra-Group-is-letting-its-employees-open-startups-turn-entrepreneurs/articleshow/49841964.cms">Mahindra &amp; Mahindra</a>, Bharat Forge, L&amp;T, Godrej and the Anil Ambani-controlled <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Reliance-Defence-signs-pact-with-Rafale-to-set-up-JV-in-India/articleshow/51603010.cms">Reliance Group</a>. 
 
<a href="http://i.huffpost.com/gen/3390290/images/o-KUMAR-MANGALAM-BIRLA-facebook.jpg">Image source</a>

Now Aditya Birla Group joins the Defence equipment manufacturing party

Moving an inch forward in ‘<keyword id="6354869" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="make-in-India">Make in India</keyword>’ initiative in defence production, Gurgaon-based <keyword id="340571" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Sun-Group">Sun Group</keyword> may partner with Russia to make light helicopters. 
 
If everything goes as planned, 200 Kamov Ka 226 light helicopters may replace the ageing Cheetah fleet, which services one of the world’s highest military deployments on the Siachen glacier. 
 
Economic Times reported that work on the Russian deal, by nomination, had begun after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit last year in December and assurances were exchanged at the highest levels to look into this project. 
 The facility may come up in Goa as a feasibility study was conducted to set up a chopper line in the coastal soon after <keyword id="6363133" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Manohar-Parrikar">Manohar Parrikar</keyword>, former Goa CM, took over as defence minister. 
 
If the deal works out, it would be the second major defence project for the state. Parrikar had already announced that the Goa Shipyard was nominated to construct 12 minesweepers for the Indian Navy in a contract that is expected to cost over $1 billion. 
 The financial daily stated that while <keyword id="2852683" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="russian-helicopters">Russian Helicopters</keyword> (RH) is in talks with a handful of possible Indian partners, the lead contender happens to be the Gurgaon-based Sun Group. 
 
As per insiders, the group may get a significant share of the deal, which might cross a whooping amount of $700 million. RH is likely to produce at least 200 choppers in India. 
 However, the company is also planning to involve <keyword id="86569" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Hindustan-Aeronautics-Limited">Hindustan Aeronautics Limited</keyword> (HAL), and partnerships with other private firms are not ruled out. 
 
Vice-Chairman and founder of Sun Group Shiv Vikram Khemka has been a non-executive director on the board of RH since 2011 and has already set up a helicopter division. He is likely to be involved in the ‘Make in India’ project. 
 
While the Sun Group did not respond to a detailed questionnaire sent by ET, company officials said things were at a preliminary stage and it was too early to comment. 
 
But according to sources, Sun Group was also an offset partner for RH in a previous competition to supply light choppers to the army, a process which was cancelled by the government last year. 
 
Defence ministry officials, on the condition of anonymity, told ET that the RH deal had effectively killed any other light helicopter project for the armed forces, including a process that was initiated earlier this year for an Indian-led JV to manufacture a new range of choppers. 
 
(Image: Reuters)

Now Russia will ‘Make in India’ 200 military helicopters

New Delhi, Feb 7 () Infrastructure giant Larsen &amp; Toubro (L&amp;T) on Friday said it has entered into a pact with ideaForge, domestic unmanned aerial vehicles manufacturer, to offer drones and allied systems for defence use. "L&amp;T and ideaForge...have entered (into) an MoU (memorandum of understanding) to offer drones and allied systems for defence use," the company said in a filing to the BSE. Both companies will combine their strengths to offer hi-tech integrated drone solutions to enhance security and surveillance. They will also offer anti-drone solutions to counter the threat of malicious or unintended usage of drones. "The MoU involves collaboration on technology, products, deployment and go-to-market strategies," it said. It will unlock the full potential of unmanned systems in security, surveillance and protection solutions. With the ever-increasing adoption of drone technology, the partnership will redefine the landscape of unmanned systems. "We are teaming as partners of choice to provide indigenously developed unmanned systems for Indian and global markets. We are confident that this alliance will create a successful 'Make in India' collaboration between a diversified engineering conglomerate and a young, technology-driven company for across-the-range offerings," J D Patil, whole-time director and senior executive vice-president (defence and smart technologies), L&amp;T, said. SID HRS

L&T, ideaForge sign pact for unmanned systems

<ul><li>Defence minister <keyword id="6355121" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajnath-Singh">Rajnath Singh</keyword> announced that India and South Korea may be singing some new deals during the <keyword id="8154465" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="DefExpo-2020">DefExpo 2020</keyword>. </li><li>He also emphasised the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) and its military applications. </li><li>Hanwha Defence, one of the South Korean companies which will present at DefExpo 2020, plans to bag $2.5 billion in new deals.</li></ul>Defence minister Rajnath Singh hinted that India and South Korea may partner to develop AI-enabled military technology at the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/news/defexpo-2020-will-have-france-russia-south-korea-israel-us-and-african-countries-wooing-indias-defence-sector-for-partnerships/articleshow/73903166.cms">DefExpo 2020</a>. The expo is set to kick off tomorrow in Lucknow. Although he didn't mention what expertise will be exchanged, he claims that the agreement will "leverage mutual strengths and digital application and other advanced technologies." <div type="twitter" handle="rajnathsingh" handlename="Rajnath Singh" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1135878027466817536/3CgrOBQw_normal.png" favoritecount="1027" retweetcount="145" status="We recognise the influence of Artifical Intelligence and digital technology in defence sector. The theme of DefExpo… https://t.co/ecdxT2plr2" createdat="1580798123000" id="1224582202937102337"></div>

 Singh met with South Korea's defence minister, Jeong Kyeongdoo-Doo in New Delhi earlier today. The countries exchanged a list of possible areas for defence cooperation. At the time of writing this article, the Korea Defence Industry Association, <keyword id="714632" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Korea-Aerospace-Industries">Korea Aerospace Industries</keyword> and Hanwha are the three South Korea defence manufacturers confirmed at the 5-day event. However, <a href="http://www.businesskorea.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=40691">Business Korea</a> claims that ten companies, including LIF Nex1, will be present at the DefExpo. <div type="twitter" handle="rajnathsingh" handlename="Rajnath Singh" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1135878027466817536/3CgrOBQw_normal.png" favoritecount="889" retweetcount="144" status="I look forward to investment by RoK companies in Indian defence corridors. The Defence Corridors present excellent… https://t.co/sBiWozh67G" createdat="1580798077000" id="1224582008661168129"></div>

 "The outlook for Korea's defence industry has been murky for immediate and long-term. The Indian deal can be an impetus," a South Korean industry official told <a href="https://pulsenews.co.kr/view.php?year=2020&amp;no=40999">Pulse News</a>. For South Korea, India is the world's second-largest buyer of weapons having spent $13.9 billion in 2018 — and the DefExpo 2020 is the perfect opportunity for them to try and crack that shell. Not only is the expo the biggest defence industry event in Asia, but it's also the biggest one for India till date. <div type="image" title="rajnath1" msid="73933669" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh meets South Korea&amp;#39;s defnce minister Jeong Kyeongdoo-Doo in New Delhi on Tuesday&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>

 Hanwha aiming for $2.5 billion Currently, Hanwha collaborates with Larsen &amp; Toubro and the Indian Army to produce the K9 Vajra-T. As much as 80% of the tank is manufactured and produced in India. According to <a href="https://indiandefenceindustries.in/index.php/interview-hanwha-defexpo">Indian Defence Industries</a>, Hanwha is looking to more opportunities for collaboration — especially in ammunition and defence electronics. At DefExpo, Hanwha's main attraction will be its self-propelled Air Defence Gun Missile System along with other products like artillery systems K9/K10 and the K200 armoured personnel carrier. "We are planning to showcase Hybrid Biho at the exhibition for the first time to impress the Indian army officials," a <keyword id="8716513" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="hanwha-defense">Hanwha Defense</keyword> official told <a href="http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2020/01/693_281858.html">Korea Times</a>. "We hope it gets recognition for its excellent quality and brings a positive effect to the delayed contract process," he said. According to the local publication, the Korean defence giant is aiming to bag deals worth $2.5 billion at the exhibition. KAI is looking to the Indian Air Force Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is also looking to bag some new deals at the DefExpo 2020. It plans on putting its KT-1 basic training aircraft center stage in hopes of wooing the Indian Air Force. "Currently, the Indian air force is changing its basic trainers and we want to supply our planes there," a KAI official told <a href="http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2020/01/693_281858.html">Korea Times</a>. "We will showcase the FA-05, a light attack aircraft, and Korean Utility Helicopter named Surion too, but the KT-1 will be our main item at DefExpo 2020," he added. South Korean companies won't be the only ones competing for attention from the Armed Forces. The exhibition will feature international majors like Airbus, Dassault Aviation, Lockheed Martin and Thales. This will also be the first DefExpo to host an India-Africa Summit. Overall, there will be over 1.000 defence firms from over 40 countries present at the DefExpo 2020. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/news/defexpo-2020-will-have-france-russia-south-korea-israel-us-and-african-countries-wooing-indias-defence-sector-for-partnerships/articleshow/73903166.cms">DefExpo 2020 will have France, Russia, South Korea, Israel, US, and African countries wooing India's defence sector for partnerships</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-defence-expenditure-in-2020/articleshow/72822974.cms">India's ready to spend on defence — just not on modernisation</a>

India will be picking up AI-enabled military tech from South Korea at the DefExpo 2020

Foreign fighter jet makers see a multi-billion dollar opportunity in India's decision to scale back purchases of high-end aircraft from France, which may free up cash in the world's largest arms importer to buy a new fleet of mid-range planes.

	 
	<keyword id="71" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Prime-Minister">Prime Minister</keyword> <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> announced last week that India would buy 36 French Rafale jets for an estimated $4.3 billion, in effect ending talks on a larger deal for 126 planes that would have sucked up some $20 billion and locked rivals out of the market for a generation.<o:p></o:p>

	<keyword id="23050" type="COUNTRY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Sweden">Sweden</keyword>'s <keyword id="6424383" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Saab">Saab</keyword> and U.S. <keyword id="112859" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Lockheed-Martin">Lockheed Martin</keyword> are set to re-pitch their Gripen and F-16 planes, eliminated in the Rafale tender, as the kind of lighter, single-engine aircraft that <keyword id="6366153" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Defence-Minister">Defence Minister</keyword> <keyword id="6363133" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Manohar-Parrikar">Manohar Parrikar</keyword> said on Monday the <keyword id="6354954" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Air-Force">air force</keyword> needed to rebuild its fleet.<o:p></o:p>

	"We are here and we are ready," said a source close to Saab. Saab was proposing to establish "fully-fledged production" of the Gripen in India alongside a local partner.<o:p></o:p>

	Lockheed Martin may also tout its F-16, one of the most widely used fighter planes in the world, as a replacement for Russian-made MiGs that are a mainstay in India's fleet, industry sources said. Lockheed Martin declined to comment.<o:p></o:p>

	"The light combat aircraft opportunity is going to be there in the near future because the MiGs have to be replaced really fast," said Delhi-based defence commentator and analyst Neelam Mathews.<o:p></o:p>

	Russia, traditionally India's largest arms supplier, is hopeful it can sell more of its Sukhoi Su-30s, a plane partly assembled in India, to tide over the air force while it waits two years to receive the first Rafales.<o:p></o:p>

	Foreign manufacturers have also welcomed India's decision to negotiate directly with the French government for further Rafales.<o:p></o:p>

	"What is positive about the announced Rafale deal is that purchase is supposed to be based on a government-to-government agreement. We have been asking the Indian side for a long time to get back to this practice instead of tenders," said one Russian diplomat.<o:p></o:p>

	Moscow wants to speed up the conclusion of talks with India for the joint manufacture of a new generation stealth fighter jet, the diplomat said.<o:p></o:p>

	TWO-FRONT CHALLENGE<o:p></o:p>

	India needs to replenish an air force fleet that has fallen to 34 operational squadrons, down from 39 earlier this decade and below the government-approved strength of 42 considered necessary to face a two-front challenge from Pakistan and China.<o:p></o:p>

	Parrikar said on Monday that India needed 100 new light combat aircraft within five years to replace the MiG-21s, and that the heavier and pricier Rafale was not the plane to do it.<o:p></o:p>

	His preference would be for the indigenously-made Tejas to fill the void. But Parrikar himself has admitted the jet, in development for three decades, has limitations while the latest version still awaits final clearance.<o:p></o:p>

	Either way, air force officials and industry sources say India is unlikely to buy anything like the 126 planes agreed in the original deal with France after all-in costs doubled to an estimated $20 billion.<o:p></o:p>

	Parrikar said he had not decided how many more Rafales he might buy. Manufacturer <keyword id="6407804" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Dassault">Dassault</keyword> Aviation could also pitch its single-engine Mirage if India opts for something cheaper.<o:p></o:p>

	Foreign planemakers may need to join forces with an Indian state-run or private partner to win orders, especially if Modi is to realise his goal of developing a military industrial base.<o:p></o:p>

	Under the original deal with Dassault, 108 of the jets were to be produced at a state-run <keyword id="86569" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Hindustan-Aeronautics-Limited">Hindustan Aeronautics Limited</keyword> (HAL) plant. But the two sides could not agree terms.<o:p></o:p>

	Such disagreements could open up opportunities for nascent private players to partner foreign manufacturers and build locally, experts said.<o:p></o:p>

	"This could be Rafale, or any other aircraft as long as the government is able to address the core issues of tech transfer, joint production and design collaboration," said M. Matheswaran, a former Air Marshal and adviser to Hindustan Aeronautics.<o:p></o:p>

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