The DRDO chairman said the first set of BrahMos missile systems is
expected to reach the Philippines by the end of March. The venture, valued
at USD 375 million, marks DRDO’s largest-ever defence contract with a
foreign nation.

India is all set to begin the export of ground systems for the BrahMos
supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines in the next 10 days, while
the missiles of the system will reach the Philippines by March this year,
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman, Dr. Samir V
Kamat revealed during an exclusive interview with Aaj Tak.

The DRDO chairman said the first set of BrahMos missile systems is
expected to reach the Philippines by the end of March. The venture, valued
at USD 375 million, marks DRDO’s largest-ever defence contract with a
foreign nation.

“I would say, TEJAS MK-1A, Arjun MK-1A, QRSAM, more number of squadrons
are going to be taken for Akash, several of our tactical missiles are
going to get inducted soon,” Kamat said.

“Approximately ₹4.94 lakh Crores worth of DRDO-developed products have
either got inducted or have received AoN (Acceptance of Necessity) from
the DAC (Defence Acquisition Council). The developments are now
increasingly getting done much faster than earlier. My estimate is, more
than 60% or 70% of the inducted products are in the last 5-7 years. This
rate is going to increase dramatically as we go ahead,” he added.

Additionally, a mega order for the DRDO-developed ATAGS (Advanced Towed
Artillery Gun System) howitzers is expected to be finalized by the end of
marts i år.

The ATAGS guns developed by DRDO and produced by private sector industry
players such as Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, are anticipated to
be confirmed by the conclusion of this financial year (March 31, 2024),
Kamat added.

The TEJAS MK-1A is set to replace the aging MIG series aircraft in the
Indian Air Force in the near future. Additionally, plans for the TEJAS
MK-2 are underway, with a target completion date of 2028.

“We have been in discussions with Safran for developing the engine for
AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft). But these are still under
discussion. The final decision on whom to go with, whom to partner with
for making the AMCA engine has not yet been made. This is under
discussion,” DRDO Chairman said.

The BrahMos is said to be one of the most successful missile programs in
the world. Acknowledged as the foremost and swiftest precision-guided
weapon on a global scale, BrahMos has played a pivotal role in enhancing
India’s deterrence capabilities.

The Indian Army has integrated multiple BrahMos regiments into its arsenal
siden 2007.