India's Military Tech Netra AEW&C and Pinaka Systems Gains Global Interest at Eurosatory 2024

India's indigenous military technologies, including the Netra AEW&C aircraft and Pinaka rocket launcher systems, attract global interest at Eurosatory 2024, highlighting the nation's growing defense export capabilities.

At the Eurosatory 2024 Defence Show in Paris, India's homegrown military technologies have captured the interest of European and Southeast Asian countries. Among the prominent systems on display at the India pavilion are the Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft and the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) systems. These advanced technologies are attracting potential buyers, reflecting India's growing capabilities in defense manufacturing and exports.

A defense official revealed that several European and Southeast Asian nations have shown interest in acquiring the Netra AEW&C aircraft and Pinaka rocket launcher systems. The Netra AEW&C, developed by the Centre for Airborne Systems, is already in service with the Indian Air Force, providing extensive coverage of adversarial activities along India's western and northern borders. The Indian forces are set to receive 12 more of these airborne systems in various configurations.

The Pinaka MBRL system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by private and public sector firms, has also piqued the interest of European countries. This system has already been exported to nations like Armenia. Notable private sector companies involved in the Pinaka project include Larsen & Toubro, Tata Defence, and Economic Explosives Limited. The Indian Army plans to acquire 23 regiments of the Pinaka MBRL as part of its broader artillery modernization strategy.

India's efforts to promote defense exports have been fruitful, with a record Rs 21,083 crore (approximately USD 2.63 billion) in exports during the Financial Year 2023-24. This represents a 32.5% increase over the previous fiscal year's figure of Rs 15,920 crore. Over the past decade, defense exports have grown 31 times compared to 2013-14 levels.

Indian defense companies have successfully secured international customers for various indigenous systems, with Armenia being a notable example. Armenia has ordered multiple systems amid its ongoing tensions with Azerbaijan, showcasing the global trust in Indian defense technology.