'Equipments are war-tested': India's defence exports set to rise after Operation Sindoor, says DRDO chief

New Delhi: India's defence exports are expected to increase following Operation Sindoor, as indigenous equipment used in the operation is now considered "war-tested," DRDO Chairperson Samir V Kamat said on Thursday. Speaking to reporters at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025, Samir V Kamat said that weapons used in Operation Sindoor have boosted confidence among potential buyers."I am hopeful that exports will increase after Operation Sindoor because now these (equipments) have been war-tested," Kamat said."After Operation Sindoor, I sincerely hope that exports will increase because they have just been tested. Equipment and other countries will show a lot of interest in buying them right now," he added.India currently exports defence equipment to over hundred nations, and this number is likely to expand post-operation."Already we are exporting to hundred countries, then I sincerely hope that this equipment will go to the hundred Countries and some other countries who are not buying us right now will also be interested in buying our equipment right now," he told reporters.Additionally, Kamat discussed the newly approved execution model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, which enables private sector participation in fighter aircraft development. On May 27, the defence ministry sanctioned this model to enhance India's domestic defence capabilities.The Aeronautical Development Agency will implement the programme through industry collaboration. The execution model ensures equal opportunities for both private and public sectors to participate, allowing them to bid independently, form joint ventures, or create consortia. The bidding entity must comply with Indian laws and regulations."In this execution model, the HAL can bid. Private sector can bid. They can also bid as a joint venture. So this will open a participation of private sector four fighter aircraft," Kamat added.Kamat further said that the development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is expected to be completed by 2034, with production starting in 2035. The first prototype flight is planned by the end of 2029.Earlier, during the CII plenary session, defence minister Rajnath Singh said that under the AMCA project, the government—along with industry partners—plans to develop five prototypes of the 5th generation fighter jet, which will later move into series production. Singh, addressing the CII Annual Summit, termed this decision a significant achievement in the 'Make in India' initiative.The project he said aims to promote Atmanirbharta in defence, marking the first instance where private sector entities can participate alongside public sector companies in a major defence project.