BENGALURU: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the export of Indian defence products has crossed Rs 12,500 crore and will reach Rs 40,000 crore in 2024-25. Modi was inaugurating the Aero India 2023 exhibition at Yelahanka Air Force Station. ‘Make in India’ is also expected to sign an investment deal of Rs 75,000 crore with defence firms of various countries.

Nine years ago, India was the largest importer of defense equipment. Now India has reached a state where it exports weapons to 75 countries. The aim is to become the largest manufacturer in the sector. Private investors should be involved along with the public sector.

The country is not afraid to exploit new possibilities and opportunities. India has proved its strength by building world class aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, Tejas fighter and helicopter.

Tumkur in Karnataka and Surat in Gujarat are setting up the world's largest helicopter manufacturing facilities. The prime minister also said that with the simplification of procedures for setting up industries, foreign investment has increased in sectors including defence.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Minister of State for Defense Ajit Bhatt were also present. Air force exercises were also held as part of the ceremony.

Biggest show in Asia

• 809 organizations, including multinational companies, are participating in Aero India 2023, Asia's largest air show.
• Defence ministers of 32 countries and CEOs of 73 companies will participate in various sessions. It will end on the 17th.

Huge expectations on Tejas Mark-2

• Malaysia has expressed its interest in buying 18 Tejas Mark-2 fighter jets at a cost of Rs 350 crore each.
• India also has hope in countries like Argentina, Indonesia, Philippines, Egypt and Australia.
• Main competitors in the market are China's JF-17 and South Korea's FA-50 Eagle.

Tejas Mark- 2

Maximum weight 17500 kg

Maximum speed 2385 kmph

6500 kg of payload capacity

2500 km strike range

6500 crore - cost of manufacturing the first four prototypes