Mumbai, May 5 (IANS): Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence has received 16 licences to manufacture an array of hardware ranging from small arms, heavy weapons, ammunition and explosives to electronic warfare systems, missiles, unmanned vehicles and laser systems for all defence platforms.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the company said out of the 16 new licences, 11 pertain to the domain of land systems, three are for the naval platform, and the remaining two cover technologies across the spectrum. 

"With these new 16 licences, Reliance Defence now has got total 27 licences to address the entire spectrum of defence equipment manufacturing," the statement said.

Reliance Land Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Defence, will be the lead venture to manufacture missiles, explosives, heavy weapons and tanks and Reliance SED will oversee electronic warfare systems, directed energy weapon systems and guided laser systems. 

"The key programs in these segments have budgetary allocation in excess of Rs.50,000 crore. The Indian Army will spend an additional Rs.50,000 crore over next 10-15 years on different combat vehicles," the company said.

"The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has already given go ahead for air defence missile systems worth Rs.40,000 crore, air defence guns valued at Rs.17,000 crore and mounted gun systems worth Rs.15,800 crore."

Other projects cleared include upgrades of 72 tanks, digitization of Pechora Air Defence System and electronic warfare system worth Rs.30,000 crore. Total opportunities, already approved are thus in excess of Rs.200,000 crore for the land systems, the company added. 

Reliance Defence also intends to address a large potential global market for combat vehicles in West Asia, Africa and South America. It is aiming at developing an infantry combat vehicle that will also address the global requirements estimated at Rs.350,000 crore($50 billion).