March 06, 2013: After Defence Minister A.K. Antony's push for the BrahMos to be inducted by the Russian armed services, India's DRDO has renewed efforts to draw up a robust export plan for some of its systems that have gained technological maturity and have been deployed in the armed forces. Sources indicate that a process will be initiated by DRDO shortly in coordination with the Defence Ministry and External Affairs Ministry to upate the list of "friendly countries" that can be engaged for export possibilities.

DRDO continues to receive enquiries from countries in Africa, Latin America and South East Asia for minor and major equipment, but the lack of a full-fledged export protocol plan has consistently delayed responses. DRDO Chief V.K. Saraswat is understood to have instructed his teams to draw up a full plan with all necessary approvals at the earliest, so that the organisation can roll out its strategy in the upcoming defence exhibitions and shows both in India and abroad. DRDO hopes to include in this final export catalogue systems like the Arjun Mk.1 tank, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launch (MBRL) system, Akash MR-SAM, Lakshya remotely piloted vehicle, sonars, electronic warfare equipment and soldier survivability gear.