DRDO eyes export orders for SAM and radar systems at DefExpo 2008

New Delhi: India's premiere defence research agency, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), an umbrella body that has numerous specialised research labs under its fold, says that it hopes to land export orders for its indigenously developed missile and radar systems at the DefExpo 2008 that will conduct business from 16-19 February 2008 in Delhi.

The recently tested medium range Akash surface to air missile system will also be exhibited at the exposition along with other products developed by the DRDO, a senior official of the organisation said. 'We are confident of getting some export orders for Akash and other missile systems like Nag, radars and other products,' chief controller, (R&D), Dr Prahlada told reporters here.

On display shall be products like the mobile Group Control Centre, Battery Surveillance Radar, Battery Control Centre, Akash Self Propelled Launcher (ASPL) 3D Central Acquisition Radar along with other products.

According to Dr Prahlada, DRDO's products have received export enquiries from over 30 countries around the world and the Indian Government will ultimately decide which countries it wants to export its weapons systems to.

Other products on show at the Defexpo will include the Trishul missile, multi-span mobile bridges built on the Arjun tank platform and a unique amphibious vehicle that can erect floating bridges across small rivers and water bodies.

The surface-to-surface Pinaka rocket system, with a range of 38 kilometres, will also be on show.

Unmanned airborne vehicles, such as Nishant and Lakshya, were likely to catch the world's attention, according to Dr Prahlada.

He also said that the DRDO was expecting a Rs30-billion order from the Indian defence forces for the Akash SAM system.