Interview | Vice president, strategy and business development, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Dr Vivek Lall

You have been closely involved with the Indian defence industry, both in the private and the public sector. What are your observations about it, in terms of its limitations and strengths?

We see tremendous strength and opportunity in India’s defence industry ‒ both private and public. We are always looking for strategic Indian industry partners across the country ─ Indian companies of all sizes, including Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and suppliers throughout India ─ to collaborate and explore security solutions unique to India.

Public-private partnerships are indeed a key part of building strategic, long-term international defence partnerships that benefit multiple stakeholders. For example, we signed a Certificate of Partnership earlier this year with BEML, one of India’s leading public sector companies, to explore aerospace collaboration opportunities in India. As you may know, BEML has designed and developed ground support equipment for India’s LCA ‘Tejas’ fighter programme.

In addition to India’s highly-capable public sector companies, many private Indian companies have entered the aerospace and defence arena, which will continue to drive innovation and broaden the array of capabilities across India’s defence-industrial ecosystem. We’re very excited by the incredible potential we see in India.

Despite several amendments and revisions, the defence procurement procedure remains work in progress. From an OEM’s perspective, what modifications does it need to deliver on its promise of building a robust defence-industrial complex in India?

It would be inappropriate for us to comment on Indian government policy, but we are encouraged by what we’re seeing and the positive interactions we’ve had with Indian industry.

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How do you view Indo-US defence industrial partnershi