SOURCE: AFI
India’s defense manufacturing sector is making significant strides on the global stage, with Ordnance Parachute Factory (OPF) and Ordnance Equipment Factory (OEF) leading the way. These units, under the umbrella of Gliders India Ltd. and TCL respectively, have recently secured export orders to several countries.
OPF, a key supplier of parachutes to the Indian Army, has expanded its reach to international markets. For the first time, brake and pilot parachutes worth Rs. 21 crore have been manufactured and exported to Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Turkmenistan, Kenya, Nigeria, and Poland. These parachutes are compatible with various fighter aircraft, including Sukhoi, Hawk, and Mig-29.
In addition to parachutes, OPF also manufactures rubberized items such as inflatable boats. The corporatization of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) has opened new avenues for these products to be exported to foreign customers.
Meanwhile, Ordnance Equipment Factory (OEF) has achieved a notable export success with snow boots worth Rs. 2.5 crore being shipped to Nepal. This demonstrates the versatility and quality of products manufactured by Indian defense factories.
These exports are not only a testament to the capabilities and competitiveness of Indian defense manufacturers but also contribute to the country’s economic growth and self-reliance. The success of OPF and OEF highlights the potential for India to become a major player in the global defense equipment market.