Defence exports boost: Armoured Vehicles Nigam seeks to rope in international partners; aims to sell platforms, vehicles and spare parts

Armoured Vehicles Nigam (AVANI), India’s leading producer of armoured platforms, is looking to expand internationally and is scouting for partners to market its products overseas. The company is targeting Africa, West Asia, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia for potential channel partnerships to export its vehicles, spare parts, and maintenance support.AVANI manufactures key defence platforms, including the Arjun Main Battle Tank, the Russian-origin T-90, and armoured personnel carriers like the BMP2. Sources told ET that the push to go global with international partners aligns with government efforts to boost exports.The company also offers spare parts for multiple armoured platforms, support for nations using Russian-origin equipment, as well as naval guns and Kavach protection systems for warships.AVANI is one of seven entities created from the former Ordnance Factory Board, all of which have been ramping up exports. While combined exports in 2019-20 were just Rs 81 crore, provisional figures for 2024-25 show a jump to over Rs 3,545 crore, driven by growing demand for ammunition and explosives abroad. Munitions India Limited leads the way, contributing nearly Rs 3,000 crore to last fiscal year’s export total.