In an interaction during Defexpo 2012, Inderjit Sial, Managing Director, Saab India Technologies Pvt Ltd, stated that with Saab’s exports rising steadily, the company was exploring options worldwide. However, as India was clearly emerging as a market with immense potential, Saab intended to not only penetrate the vibrant and versatile Indian market but also to leverage India’s strong technology base and manufacturing capabilities in such a way so as to create new opportunities to meet the demands of the growing world market. To this end, Saab will be exploring opportunities for partnership with the private and public defence industry in India as the way forward for business here. Saab had already entered into a contract with the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for manufacture of the airborne electronic warfare equipment for the advanced light helicopter (ALH) programme for the Indian Army as well as the Indian Air Force.

At the Defexpo, Saab showcased cuttingedge technologies and solutions for the Indian armed forces, paramilitary forces, civil aviation and homeland security apparatus. As per Inderjit Sial, given the importance of the Indian market and the opportunities the country has to offer, Saab regarded the Defexpo as an event crucial to its business interests.

Saab has been and continues to address the needs of the three services in India offering high technology solutions and products in the areas of C4I, electronic warfare including self-protection systems, missile and weapon systems, combat aircraft, airborne sensors, maritime and civil security systems as also the Giraffe Family of radars. To meet the requirements of the Indian Navy, in response to request for information (RFI) and request for proposal (RFPs) floated by service, Saab has offered the Saab 2000 medium-range maritime patrol aircraft, the Sea Gripen carrier version of the single engine fighter aircraft, self-propelled underwater acoustic target with the modular and reconfigurable autonomous underwater vehicle, AU V 62 and the Sea Giraffe.

At the exhibition this year, Saab’s primary focus was on land and naval systems, with emphasis on the RBS 70 NG missile system. Saab also displayed the underwater AU V systems and the C4I systems, along with camouflage and a variety of other parts of the product portfolio. Saab has also responded to an RFP for Electronic Defence Systems for the Indian Army’s T-90 upgradation programme.