OFB eyes exports worth `500cr

Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) is eyeing to export its defence products worth `500 crores by 2022. OFB chairman Hari Mohan announced the the defence public sector undertaking’s target on the eve of the Ordnance Factories (OF) 219th foundation day on March 18.

He also indicated the availability of the the Mark-I version of the futuristic infantry combat vehicle (FICV), the successor of the upgraded BMP II, the infantry combat vehicle, for the Indian

Army in the next three to five years and the Mark-II likely in the next five to ten years. The OFB expects the prototype to be ready by the mid-2021.

On Tuesday Mr Mohan said, “Our export order stood at around `15-20 crores two-three years ago. Last year, we clocked a figure of `240 crores in exports. This year also we are trying to clock a larger figure. We are aiming to reach the level of `500 crores in exports in next two years. Ammunitions including those for small arms are among the items.”

On the FICV production,

● the Director General of the OFB elaborated, “The OFB and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) are working on the evolving product. Depending on the interactions with the Army, the product will reach an acceptable phase. Then the Army will tell the supply number. The product will be FICV Mark-I.”

He added, “But our teams will continue to work on additional systems. The FICV Mark-I may be visible in the horizon of three to five years with the Mark-II may be in five to ten years.” Mr Mohan further highlighted the Centre’s push behind the OFB’s growth in exports from nearly `20 crores to `240 crores within few years.

“Our ministry is saying that we are mainly importer of defence items and we should start exporting in a big way. Our endeavour is also in that direction,” he noted.