In a significant boost to India's burgeoning defence industry, Armenia and Morocco have emerged as early adopters of Indian-made military equipment, even before the Indian Armed Forces have fully inducted these systems.
This move underscores the growing confidence in India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative and the increasing competitiveness of its defence products on the global stage.
Armenia has acquired the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), a cutting-edge artillery platform developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems.
Boasting a 52-caliber barrel and a range exceeding 48 kilometers, the ATAGS is recognized as one of the most advanced systems in its class. Its ability to fire with high precision in various modes has attracted international attention, with Armenia becoming the first foreign buyer in 2022.
Armenia's decision to procure the system before its official induction into the Indian Army speaks volumes about its confidence in Indian defence manufacturing.
Morocco, on the other hand, has opted for the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8, an amphibious armored vehicle developed by Tata Motors and the DRDO.
Designed for modern warfare, the WhAP offers enhanced mobility, protection, and versatility. Its adaptability to diverse combat scenarios makes it a valuable asset for troop transport, reconnaissance, and other tactical operations.
Morocco's procurement of the WhAP, even before its full induction into the Indian Army, highlights the growing trust in Indian defence manufacturing capabilities.
These acquisitions position Armenia and Morocco as unofficial "Brand Ambassadors" for India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, which aims to reduce reliance on foreign defence imports and promote domestic production.
The fact that these countries have chosen Indian systems over established suppliers speaks volumes about the quality and competitiveness of India's defence offerings.
This development is expected to further propel India's defence export ambitions. As Armenia and Morocco demonstrate the effectiveness of the ATAGS and WhAP in real-world operations, they will contribute to building greater credibility for India's defence industry. This could potentially lead to increased exports to other nations seeking cost-effective and reliable alternatives in the global arms market.
