Tata's Defense Division Eyeing South-East Asian Markets

Tata Motors has been one of the leading suppliers to the defense sector here in India. Just recently, the company had received a follow-up order for around 600 HCVs from the armed forces, pooling along with a total of 1200 such vehicles that the brand had sold to the company earlier on.

The company is now looking to expand its reach, targeting new markets with its sophisticated range of defense vehicles. At present, the environment seemed conducive for foraying into new territories in South East Asia, with countries such as Thailand and Myanmar in a position to receive Tata's products. Vernon Norohna, the vice president for the firm's defense and government division recently revealed that the brand had already passed the conditions required for providing 715 GS 2.5 ton military vehicles to the Thailand military. Mr Norohna said, “Besides Thailand, we are also looking at Myanmar as a market to supply military vehicles,”

Norohna revealed that the corporation was depending on a platform of armored vehicles which are utilized for carrying heavy equipment. The company calls it the Kestrel platform, and it is currently used by the Indian army. “In combat vehicles, Tata Motors has indigenously designed and developed, along with DRDO, the Wheeled Armored Platform (WHAP) – the KESTREL Infantry Combat Vehicle, designed for optimized survivability, all terrain performance and increased lethality,”

“Indian companies penetrating into the markets of Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam etc. is a great commercial move especially in the backdrop of China’s extraordinary ascendance to the world stage and its dominance in the markets of Myanmar and Thailand.” remarked a strategist specializing in foreign policy, who requested anonymity. At present, these markets are under heavy influence of Chinese and Japanese products, and Indian companies are just as capable of bridging the divide and securing a good market hold in these territories.

Despite China's heavy dominance, experts believe that Indian advancement into these markets could help to limit the other country's market hold. “Moreover, there is a huge opportunity in the combat vehicles space as these vehicles are facing replacement in many countries across the globe.” The analyst said.

See Also:Tata Receives Follow-Up Order for 619 HMV Trucks from Indian ArmyTata Motors Expected to Bag Major Defence Order for Development of Futuristic Vehicles