Pipavav Defence to enter missile, torpedo production: report

Pipavav Defence and Offshore Engineering plans to make missiles and torpedoes, for which it will set up a system integration facility in Hyderabad.

The company has already firmed up strategic partnerships for missile and torpedo production under the `Buy-and-make-Indian' programme of the ministry of defence, reports quoting Naresh Kumar, senior advisor to the company said.

Speaking at the vendor development programme for MSE suppliers organised by the CII in Hyderabad, Naresh Kumar said the company is looking at tie-ups with local firms in and around Hyderabad for sub-system design and manufacture of missile and torpedo parts.

''The vendor qualification will be undertaken jointly by Pipavav Defence and our technology partner,'' he said.

Pipavav Defence had already entered into a strategic partnership with Saab in key technology areas, including combat management systems and missiles.

The company, promoted by Nikhil Gandhi and Bhavesh Gandhi, was the first private firm in India to get a licence to build warships.

Pipavav Defence is also tying up with German firm Atlas Elektronik, to provide heavyweight torpedoes to the Indian Navy.

Atlas has worked with the Indian Navy for the last two decades, providing SUT torpedoes for the Navy's Shishumar class of submarines.

The company also sees significant opportunities in the defence ministry's proposal to acquire multiple helicopter platforms under the 'Buy-and-make Indian' category as it would allow private firms manufacture, assemble and integrate critical aviation components.

''This will provide opportunities for local companies to enter global supply chain,'' Naresh Kumar said.

Pipavav, which has already invested over $1.2 billion in the Indian defence industry, has orders worth $985 million from the Indian Navy, besides $282 million and $742 million in the offshore and commercial segments.