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<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

(Eds: Recasts overnight story) Lucknow, Feb 5 () With the aim to showcase India's potential as a global defence manufacturing hub, the biennial DefExpo will kickstart in Lucknow on Wednesday.The 11th edition of DefExpo promises to bring new technologies and solutions on a single platform for defence manufacturing firms from India and abroad. The main theme of the Expo is 'India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub' and the focus will be on 'Digital Transformation of Defence'.Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally inaugurate the event, which will be followed by a live demonstration of naval systems, aero systems and land systems.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said delegates from 70 countries and 172 foreign military manufacturers will attend the five-day mega exhibition. As many as 856 Indian defence firms will also showcase their products."We want to make India a hub of defence manufacturing. The DefExpo is a step in this direction," Singh said.Reflecting on the government's focus on 'Make in India', the DefExpo 2020 would offer an opportunity for the Indian defence industry to showcase its capabilities and promote its export potential.Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said his government has been encouraging defence manufacturing in the state. He said two Dornier aircraft of aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd will be used by the state government for civil purposes on two routes.It will be for the first time that the 19-seater aircraft will be used by a state government for civilian purposes.Ministers from over 40 countries will take part in this edition of DefExpo, making it an important opportunity for countries to further strengthen defence ties with India, the defence minister said.The fifth India-Russia Military Industry Conference will also be held on the sidelines of DefExpo with over 100 Russian and over 200 Indian industry leaders expected to participate. MPB NAV SMI ASK RDM ABHABH

DefExpo to focus on showcasing India's potential to become manufacturing hub

<o:p></o:p>

	India’s relations with China have improved significantly over the past two years but they can still be much better, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=manohar+parrikar&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar</a> told DefenceAviationPost.com in an exclusive interaction.<o:p></o:p>

	Parrikar, who embarked on his five-day China visit, said he was hopeful that a day would soon come when the “decades-old boundary dispute” between the two Asian superpowers would be resolved.<o:p></o:p>

	“They (relations) are much better than what they were two years back. They can still become better. A day might come when they agree to settle the border dispute,” said the minister.<o:p></o:p>

	This will be Parrikar’s maiden visit to China where he will engage with Chinese authorities for three days and hold extensive discussions on improving security ties between the two sides.<o:p></o:p>

	Asked about the agenda of his visit, Parrikar said such visits help relations between the nuclear-armed neighbours get “better”.<o:p></o:p>

	“It’s a normal visit which happens as per schedule. They had invited me. These are processes of getting the relations better and better,” he said.<o:p></o:p>

	Parrikar is playing a tough balancing act as New Delhi further strengthens its growing defence partnership with Washington, while keeping Beijing in good humour.<o:p></o:p>

	India and the US just concluded successful talks on developing a manufacturing facility in India for F16 fighter jets.

	READ ALSO: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Sign-of-warming-India-US-ties-India-to-soon-manufacture-F-16-fighter-jets/articleshow/51877326.cms">Sign of warming India-US ties? India to soon manufacture F-16 fighter jets</a><o:p></o:p>

	Meanwhile, Parrikar downplayed the non-participation of the Chinese in India’s biggest defence exhibition-the DefExpo India 2016-where over 1055 domestic and global companies had participated. As many as 47 countries from different continents took part in the exhibition. 

	In a significant departure from the policies of the Congress-led UPA era, Parrikar announced that India and US had agreed in principle to share military logistics.

	At the same time, while keeping Chinese sensitivities in mind, India suitably modified this agreement and ensured enough safeguards that gives it the right to refuse access to its military bases whenever it so desires.<o:p></o:p>

	“India’s in-principle agreement to sign the logistics pact with the US, commonly known as the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), provides for sharing logistics and berthing facilities between the Indian and American forces. Beijing would have been keenly watching, no doubt,” said an analyst.<o:p></o:p>

	“LEMOA does not entail stationing of any US troops on Indian soil and is in no way a move by New Delhi to support Washington in forming any alliance against Beijing,” Indian officials clarified.<o:p></o:p>

	There was also no commitment given by India on joint naval patrolling with the US in the South China Sea and neither did Parrikar agree to come on board the quadrilateral security dialogue in the Asia Pacific region that the US has been pushing as a counter to China's aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea, they said.<o:p></o:p>

	The clarifications by Indian officials notwithstanding, China, is sure to have its own doubts.<o:p></o:p>

	Experts feel the relationship with the US is in India’s best interest considering China’s ambitious growth plans.<o:p></o:p>

	They point to Beijing’s recent decision to veto India's bid to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a terrorist by the UN.

	“China’s close strategic partnership with Pakistan, the string of pearls strategy in the Indian Ocean region and the regular intrusions by its troops on the Line of Actual Control are clear signals that India should keep a deterrent ready,” said the analyst.<o:p></o:p>

	While no agreements are expected to be inked during Parrikar’s visit to Beijing, officials said the two countries will aim at implementing a border defence cooperation agreement they signed in 2013.

	​(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)

Decades-old boundary dispute between India, China could be resolved, says Parrikar

Lucknow, Feb 7 () Javelin Joint Venture (JJV), a partnership of two US-based defence majors Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, has signed an MoU with Indian PSU Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) to explore co-production of Javelin anti-tank guided missile system, according to a press release. Javelin is an anti-tank guided missile system that can be carried and launched by a single person. The agreement was signed between JJV and BDL on Thursday here at DefExpo, India's biennial defence exhibition. "We look forward to working with BDL, a leading guided weapon system manufacturer, to evaluate the possibility of manufacturing Javelin in India," said JJV Vice President David Pantano. "With BDL's 50 years of experience, combined with Javelin's reliability and proven performance, we are excited to see how this partnership will support the needs of the Indian Ministry of Defence," Pantano stated. According to the press statement, "Javelin is currently in service in 18 allied countries. The JJV has produced more than 45,000 rounds for both US and foreign militaries." The Javelin weapon system is expected to be in the US military's operational inventory through 2050, the release noted. Javelin's optimized trajectory, automated guidance and high penetration capability provides "unparalleled" performance against heavy and light armour, as well as "soft" and "irregular" targets in all weather conditions and geographic regions. DSP DSP SMNSMN

JJV and BDL sign MoU to explore co-production of Javelin anti-tank missile system

Lucknow, Feb 7 () French defence firm Thales and Kanpur-based defence manufacturer MKU announced on Friday that they will jointly develop ELFIE night vision devices (NVD) for the armed forces in India and across the world.With this, both companies have further solidified a MoU signed in 2018 for strategic co-operation on developing optronic devices. This co-operation involves co-development of these devices at MKU's facility in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, a joint statement issued by the companies on the sidelines of DefExpo 2020 here said.A lightweight monocular with the widest field of view, ELFIE provides unprecedented mobility and night combat capability, the statement said. Whether hands-free (on a face mask or helmet mount) or weapon-mounted, ELFIE is suitable for left or right eye use and provides stereoscopic vision in binocular configuration, it added.ELFIE is ideal for vehicle-driving and for paratroopers and special forces operators. When mounted on a weapon, it provides a red dot sight or laser pointer to the user, the statement said.The integration of the first pre-series of ELFIE at MKU's facility in Kanpur is expected to be completed in the first trimester of 2020. A true model of the made in India ELFIE night vision device is expected to be available in the first trimester of 2021, it said.Pascale Sourisse, senior executive vice-president, International Development, Thales, said, "We are enthusiastic about taking our strategic association forward with MKU with the co-development of ELFIE. This embodies the government's Make in India initiative. Coming up in the Defence Industrial Corridor of Uttar Pradesh, this versatile night vision device will be offered to the armed forces in India as well as across the world. Together with MKU, we look forward to strengthening the industrial ecosystem while also contributing towards job creation in the country."Neeraj Gupta, managing director, MKU Limited, said, "We are delighted about this partnership with a global technology leader like Thales. This association will combine Thales expertise with the manufacturing abilities of MKU and boost local manufacturing for the defence industry. We will develop the entire supply chain and the devices will be manufactured to exacting international standards." NAV IJT

Thales, MKU to co-develop night vision device for armed forces in Kanpur

<ul><li>Tesla CEO <keyword id="6355315" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="elon-musk">Elon Musk</keyword> is inviting coders and engineers to participate in the hackathon or the ‘AI party’ at his place. </li><li>The event is expected to take place in four weeks from now. </li><li>And all it actually needs is a deep understanding of <keyword id="107950" type="TECHNOLOGY" weightage="20" keywordseo="artificial-intelligence">artificial intelligence</keyword> and its implementation. "Don’t care if you even graduated high school,” he said. </li></ul>Tesla CEO Elon Musk is opening doors to all AI enthusiasts across the globe to push the pedal on his autonomous driving vehicle plans. The tech billionaire took to Twitter to invite coders and engineers to participate in the hackathon or the ‘AI party’ at his place. The event is expected to take place in four weeks from now. 
	<div type="twitter" handle="elonmusk" handlename="Elon Musk" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1223183340171415552/XQcxk5Zb_normal.jpg" favoritecount="108177" retweetcount="5951" status="Tesla will hold a super fun AI party/hackathon at my house with the Tesla AI/autopilot team in about four weeks. Invitations going out soon." createdat="1580680133000" id="1224087317364854785"></div>



 “This shouldn’t be thought of as USA only,” he added in the tweet. The recruitment drive is set to hire diverse and AI-skilled professionals from all countries — to hire for its offices across the Bay Area, Austin or other Tesla Gigafactories. Skills not degree All it actually needs is a deep understanding of artificial intelligence and its implementation. Clarifying further, Musk also mentioned the eligibility criteria for the hackathon. “PhD is definitely not required. All that matters is a deep understanding of AI and ability to implement NNs in a way that is actually useful (latter point is what’s truly hard). Don’t care if you even graduated high school,” he said. Musk, who is also a critic of AI technology, has been actively talking about AI adoption. He had recently invited people to join Tesla’s Autopilot Test team. This spreads across areas like hardware, autonomy algorithms and neural networks. “Join AI at Tesla! It reports directly to me and we meet/email/text almost every day. My actions, not just words, show how critically I view (benign) AI,” he said stresing how ‘benign’ tasks are also evaluated by him directly. 
	<div type="twitter" handle="elonmusk" handlename="Elon Musk" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1223183340171415552/XQcxk5Zb_normal.jpg" favoritecount="42448" retweetcount="4867" status="“At Tesla, using AI to solve self-driving isn’t just icing on the cake, it the cake” - @lexfridman Join AI at Tes… https://t.co/jQkNAReWlb" createdat="1580669694000" id="1224043531951583233"></div>



 The company is adopting AI for its self driving cars as well. Those hired may be a part of the autopilot project. As of now, the autopilot feature allows the car to navigate within the lane and apply brakes. However, it still requires human intervention. “Tesla will soon have over a million connected vehicles worldwide with sensors and compute needed for full self-driving, which is orders of magnitude more than everyone else combined, giving you the best possible dataset to work with,” Musk tweeted. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-will-be-picking-up-ai-enabled-military-tech-from-south-korea-at-the-defexpo-2020/articleshow/73933364.cms">India will be picking up AI-enabled military tech from South Korea at the DefExpo 2020</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/ai-and-machine-learning-jobs-are-in-demand-but-hiring-is-difficult/articleshow/72879872.cms">Indian CEOs are having a tough time retaining AI, ML, and data science experts</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/article/heres-how-artificial-intelligence-changed-the-way-we-eat-write-drive-and-talk/articleshow/71846412.cms">Here's how artificial intelligence changed the way we eat, write, drive and talk</a>

Elon Musk invites techies to his 'AI party' — Indian high schoolers can also apply

On display at the lawns of the Parliament's Library Building-- as part of the three-day long exclusive exhibition for the lawmakers, is the massive ARJUN main battle tank (MBT), developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Army to fight adversaries along our Western border areas especially the plain and desert areas of Punjab and further South. 
 However the reality is a bit bitter. Facing serious issues of weight, unfortunately the <keyword id="183999" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Arjun-tank">ARJUN tank</keyword> remains largely unsuitable for being operated on border areas except for small stretches in the Barmer-Jaisalmer area. 
 While the battle tank’s first variant ARJUN MkI weighed 62 tonnes (and this is the one on display), the second one – or the so called next gen, ARJUN MkII weighs even more at around 68 tonnes. As none of the bridges close to border areas can carry anything more than 60 tons, the usage of <keyword id="3542293" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="arjun-mbt">ARJUN MBT</keyword> to reach the border areas to fight wars remains a big question mark. 
 
So effectively, the weight of the tank prohibits its use along most of the b0rder areas. Interestingly, a senior defence ministry official sarcastically but rightly commented, “If this tank can’t cross bridges and kill enemies on the border, who is it than aiming at?...Pakistan or the Parliament?” 
 
Taking note of this deficiency, defence minister Manohar Parrikar has already ordered a study (involving all the stakeholders) to bring down the weight of this tank to 55 tonnes. According to defence ministry sources, Parrikar has openly expressed his unhappiness on the issues crippling the ARJUN MBT. 
 
While weight is a major issue, other deficiencies of MBT Arjun includes its indigenisation content and also availability of ammunition that remains miniscule. Most of the ammunition that this MBT should fire is unavailable. 
 
Also while Parrikar is pushing the Make in India program very hard, it is unfortunate that the Arjun MkI has less than 30% of indigenisation content. In ARJUN MkII, instead of the import content going done, it has only gone up, reveal officials. Weight too has gone up to 68 tonnes, a folly DRDO has accepted during an interaction with reporters on the sidelines of the 9th Defence Expo in Goa this March. 
 
Dr S Christopher DG, DRDO gracefully accepts that the weight of Arjun is on the higher side. "Army says there are bridges where MkII might find it difficult (to move). This is the reason why we have developed the other bridge and made our tank go over it again and again when displayed at DefExpo. We are trying to tell the army that even if we may not be able to use it as it is everywhere, there definitely can be places where it can be used," Christopher was quoted in a news report in its online edition dated March 29. 
 
The report further noted that the history of indigenous tank building has been an acrimonious affair with the army and DRDO having bitter differences over the road ahead. While the army relies largely on the Russian-made T72 and T90 tanks, the DRDO believes it isn't being a fair opportunity to develop its product. After a protracted struggle, 124 MkI ARJUN tanks were commissioned into the army. 
 
Time For Some Reality Check: So while we are proud of various inventions by DRDO, BrahMos missile (jointly made with L&amp;T) being one, issues surrounding the ARJUN MBT are serious as a huge amount of public funds have gone into it. So our suggestion to DRDO is to look at reducing the weight of this tank that has been designed to fight wars on the borders and not just be stationed on the beautiful lawns amidst the kota stoned walls of the Parliament. 
 
This DRDO exhibition, being held at the Parliament Library Building, will display numerous state-of-the-art defence technologies, products and systems developed by various DRDO laboratories indigenously, which includes the BrahMos missile, the ‘Arjun’ main battle tank, AEW&amp;C (Airborne Early Warning and Control System), Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher ‘Pinaka’, Remotely operated vehicle, NBC Recce Vehicle, Wheeled Armoured Platform (WHAP), Laser Ordnance Disposal System (LORDS), Varunastra Torpedo, Mobile Automatic Robotic System (MARS), Various type of Radars and other products. The Speaker of Lok Sabha Smt Sumitra Mahajan will inaugurate the three-day long exhibition on the 3rd of August at 1000hrs. 
 
Through this exclusive exhibition, the Members of Parliament from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are expected to visit the exhibition to get a first-hand account of huge work undertaken by DRDO and their successful implementation. 
 
During the exhibition, DRDO will also organise a virtual reality display of Arjun Main Battle Tank, BrahMos Missile, AEW&amp;C (Airborne Early Warning and Control System) &amp; LCA-Tejas. 
 
<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c0/Arjun_Tank.jpg">Image source</a>

Who is 'ARJUN' -- the overweight battle tank on display in Parliament, aiming at?

The face of the Indian defence sector is changing rapidly with a strong focus on indigenisation. The man leading that change is Manohar Parrikar, India’s defence minister. Parrikar has worked hard over the last one-and-a-half years to bring a complete turnaround in the defence establishment. 
 
In a latest interview, Parrikar spoke about his future plans and the key security issues facing the country. 
 
Q. The new Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) is being referred to as a game changing policy for the sector. How do you see it altering the Indian defence growth story? 
 
A. In the new DPP, we have tried to shift the focus on Make-in-India, small and medium scale industries. We are also stressing on time-bound procedures. 
 
The defence sector has a strange set of procurement procedures, which do not normally exist for other procurements. One obvious reason is that products need to be tested as unless successful testing is conducted, the costly equipment can’t be procured. So testing is a major criteria and this was, so far, not allowed to Indian private companies and was resulting into major delays. So the new DPP opens up testing facilities. Various defence PSUs are also offering facilities to the private sector. The new DPP will address these concerns of the industry in detail. 
 
Q. The <keyword id="6354869" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="make-in-India">Make in India</keyword> initiative is gaining steam. The new category of ‘Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured’ (IDDM) equipment reverses the local mix from 70:30 to 30:70. Do you have any timelines for its implementation? 
 
A. It won’t happen overnight. In the new DPP for IDDM, it will be only now that things will be processed. Orders may be placed after one year and actual production will start after a year. So, it is in 2017 that we will start seeing the real impact. Of course, some push that we had given earlier would result in some shifting of the balance during the current year. 
 
Q. We see a sudden rush from big corporates who want to invest big time in the defence sector. Already some 50 MoUs have been signed and over 350 licenses given. Is there any kind of a mechanism that you are going to put in place to monitor that everything that is being talked about actually takes-off? 
 
A. Unlike other sectors, the buyer is only one except for exports, which we have opened up. In fact, the recorded NoCs for export granted by us in spite of the fact that we have reduced the number of items under restricted export in defence, has almost tripled as compared to last year and grown by five times the earlier years. We are now touching around Rs 2000 crore this year. I expect growth of another 50%-100% because of offsets. 
 
In the next year, we should cross Rs 1 billion in exports, which itself will be an achievement. Except the export part of it, the rest is produced and purchased by the Indian defence forces. These are part of preparations. These are not actual fructification. The fructification will happen in the current year for some in the private sector whom we are already placing orders with. In fact, Tata’s have developed 6x6 (truck for Indian army), Larsen &amp; Toubro is in the final stage of getting the order for self-propelled guns. 
 
Q. Will the entry of private companies affect the role of defence PSUs and DRDO? 
A. PSUs are also part of Make-in-India. We are asking them to broaden their vendor base and get products outsourced so that the private industry also develops in course. 
 
Q. Indian defence companies say their products are comparatively much cheaper to, say those supplied by US companies, like for example the ultra-light weight howitzers developed by the Kalyani Group is around 50% cheaper than that manufactured in the US. Aren’t we spending a lot for importing equipments like these? 
 
A. I am not aware of the costs but I will definitely find out. We are serious on indigenously developed products and I will talk to them. 
 
Q. Are you happy with the budget allocation? How would you in the present constraints of fund allocation priorities your plans on modernization? 
A. I don’t see a big fund constraint. Let me put it this way, in a month if a family eats say 20 kg of rice they may consume around 500 grams a day --- so budgets have to be seen in that angle. What do I require today? One is my committed liabilities. I am talking about capital acquisition so if I have placed orders with the vendors then as they supply I have to go and pay. For example, Apache Helicopter for which I placed the order in October. It will be supplied in 2018. Initially, I paid some 15%. The total including the weapon package was about Rs 21,000-22,000 crore. I paid only Rs 3000 crore. How much do I require as per the calibrated payment terms --- maybe I will require another Rs 1500 crore this year and Rs 1500 crore next year and maybe some Rs 5000 crore or Rs 8000 crore the year after. So what I do today has its impact in next 5-10 years and what was done in 2012-13 is going to reflect now. 
 
Q. What about China and Pakistan’s participation in the Defexpo? 
A. I don’t see a big issue in inviting or not inviting. Traditionally, they have not been invited but I think from China we had some people to visit if I am not mistaken. There is no calibrated decision specifically taken in this regard. 
 
Q. The double finance scrutiny first by MoD and then by finance ministry is making defence procurement cumbersome. Why should there be a double scrutiny at all? 
A. Ask that question to the finance ministry. If you ask me it is a triple level --- MoD, then our own finance department and then the MoF. I think it’s a case for a higher delegated power. It will be taken up but I don’t see it as a big problem. I have no problem in finance expenditure going through it. 
 
Q. Your comments on the government’s plans to cut foreign vendor contracts by 30% in the next two years? 
A. We don’t intend to cut. We intend to purchase locally so automatically the procurement from outside will reduce. 
 
Q. In Rafale jet deal pricing is a big issue? Even the law ministry has recently raised some objections? 
A. Price is equally important. While I want the aircraft, I will definitely be interested in the right price. The objections are being attended to. 
 
Q. Your government is completing two years in office? How do you think it has performed? 
A. I am happy because this government is doing more than reasonably well. The foundation is already there and lot of things have been done by this government which had been in limbo for last 10-12 years so I feel that in another one year we would be very clearly reaping the benefits of the seeds that have been sown by this government and things that have been done by this government.

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

Prabhjote Gill

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