According to Manu Pubby of ET News, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVANI), India’s top producer of armored platforms, has set its sights on the foreign market and is getting ready to increase its presence through collaborations abroad.
Originating from the former Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), the defense public sector firm is looking for channel partners in Africa, West Asia, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia to market, distribute, and offer support for its wide variety of armored vehicles and related equipment.
With the production of platforms like the Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT), Russian-made T-90 tanks, and armored personnel carriers like the BMP-2, AVANI is a vital provider of India’s frontline armored capabilities. By using these tried-and-true platforms, the company hopes to conform to India’s export-oriented defense policy, which pushes local businesses to expand internationally and diversify beyond the home market.
Although AVANI’s primary products are tanks and armored carriers, the company also manufactures a variety of vital spare parts for Russian-origin armored vehicles, an area where many developing countries still have substantial inventory requirements. This establishes AVANI as a reliable provider of life-cycle support systems and logistics, especially for nations whose armed forces still use outdated Russian and Soviet equipment.
In addition, AVANI has stepped into exports relevant to naval warfare with products such as naval guns and the Kavach decoy protection system for warships, broadening its market reach beyond land-based platforms.
The push for global expansion is heavily aligned with the Indian government’s directive to enlarge defence exports and reduce dependence on domestic orders. Since the restructuring of the Ordnance Factory Board into seven specialized corporations, including AVANI, there has been a steep rise in exports.
The entities’ total export value in 2019–20 was a mere 81 crore. However, according to preliminary data, the amount has increased to ₹3,545 crore by 2024–2025, demonstrating effective outreach tactics and increased demand for Indian defense items abroad.
Munitions India Limited (MIL), one of the seven enterprises, contributed almost ₹3,000 crore in exports in 2024–2025, mostly from sales of explosives and ammunition worldwide. With heavier platforms, spare parts, and naval weapons aimed at the global market, AVANI is currently attempting to duplicate this accomplishment.
By channelling efforts towards Africa, West Asia, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia, AVANI is entering regions where the demand for robust, cost-effective armoured capabilities remains strong. These markets also include countries that still operate or rely on Russian-origin equipment but are limited by sanctions and supply chain restrictions, creating geopolitical windows of opportunity for India to step in as a reliable defence supplier.
The move is also significant for India’s ambition to position itself as a top global defence exporter, with targets of crossing ₹50,000 crore in annual defence exports within this decade. AVANI’s export initiatives in spares, tanks, and naval equipment are expected to contribute meaningfully to this trajectory, while also boosting India’s strategic influence in partner regions.
