In a significant boost to India's growing defence manufacturing sector, the Ordnance Parachute Factory (OPF) and Ordnance Equipment Factory (OEF) have secured major export orders from several countries. This marks a milestone for India's defence industry, demonstrating its increasing competitiveness and capability in the global market.
OPF, a Kanpur-based unit operating under Gliders India Ltd., has traditionally supplied parachutes to the Indian Army. However, in a historic first, the factory has now manufactured and exported brake and pilot parachutes worth Rs. 21 crore to seven nations: Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Turkmenistan, Kenya, Nigeria, and Poland. These parachutes are designed for use with a range of fighter aircraft, including Sukhoi, Hawk, and Mig-29, highlighting the technical proficiency of Indian manufacturers.
Beyond parachutes, OPF also produces various rubberized items, including inflatable boats. The recent corporatization of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) has paved the way for these products to be marketed and sold to international customers, further expanding OPF's export potential.
Meanwhile, OEF, another key player in India's defence manufacturing landscape, has achieved success with the export of snow boots worth Rs. 2.5 crore to Nepal. This deal showcases the diversity and quality of products manufactured by Indian defence factories, catering to a wide range of operational requirements.
The achievements of OPF and OEF signal India's emergence as a significant player in the global defence equipment market.
