New Delhi: Indigenously-developed surface-to-air missiles (SAM) Akash and Trishul and anti-tank missiles Nag will be ready for user trials by December 2005, the Government told the Lok Sabha today (Dec 9, 2004).

In a written reply, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said development trials of Prithvi-II for Air Force, Dhanush for Navy and BrahMos, Agni-I and II have been completed and these are in the process of induction.

Prithvi-I has already been inducted into the Army, he said.

Certain countries have shown interest in BrahMos and Nag, Mukherjee said, adding export of other missiles like Prithvi and Agni class are subject to international obligations on proliferation and hence such an export is not under consideration.

Defence Exports: Defence exports have increased to Rs 104 crore in 2003-04 from Rs 6.19 crore in 1999-2000 and equipments like INSAS rifle and LMG, Mine Protected Vehicle, 105 mm Light Field Gun, various type of ammunition and miscellaneous stores are being sold to Nepal, USA, Egypt, Oman and other countries, Minister of State for Defence Bijoy Krishna Handique said.

He said the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) has taken various steps to promote Defence exports like registration with Defence procurement agencies of various countries, quick response to enquiry, advertisement in Defence-related publications and by participation in international Defence exhibitions which has resulted in the jump in exports.