India aims at $20-mn arms exports in 2003

India is aiming to export arms and ammunition worth $20 million in 2003 by showcasing, in the international market, indigenous upgraded versions of 130MM and 105MM artillery guns, mine-protecting vehicles as well as various assault rifles.

Stating this, D K Dutta, chairman and managing director of the Ordnance Factories Board said the arms exports would be to "friendly countries" in Africa and South East Asia, with new queries coming in from some Latin American countries.

Speaking to newsmen at the conclusion of the 2-day conference of the general managers of the ordnance factories, Dutta said that the OFB had achieved some major breakthroughs by upgrading the Swedish Bofors L/70 anti-aircraft gun and the 130MM artillery guns to 155MM.

Elaborating on these upgrades, Dutta said the L/70 guns acquired in early 70's would be given increased lethality, mobility as well as computerised firepower ability to increase its reach to intercept aircrafts flying at high as well as medium altitudes.

The first of these upgraded anti-aircraft guns in technical collaboration with Bharat Electronics would be ready for Army and IAF trials by next month.