We used to release pigeons, we release cheetahs now: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday laid the foundation stone of a new airbase at Deesa in north Gujarat's Banaskantha near the Pakistan border.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 12th edition of the Defence Expo, Modi said Indian armed forces' increasing reliance on made-in-India equipment is as much a nod to 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' as it is a testimony to India's improved standing in a global defence sector dominated by a few. "We used to release pigeons, and now we release cheetahs. These events may appear to be trivial at times, but the underlying message is much bigger," he said.
"Despite the monopoly of a few manufacturing firms, India has made inroads (into the sector) and secured its place. The Army, too, has decided to procure 411 items within the country, including 101 indigenised items recently added to the list. This shows the potential of a self-reliant India," the PM said at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. Modi said the Centre aimed to raise Indian defence exports to worth Rs 40,000 crore in the immediate future, encouraged by an eight-fold increase over the past few years.
"The world is trusting Indian technology because our armed forces have proved their capabilities. We are exporting defence material and equipment to over 75 countries. India has earmarked 68% of its defence budget for Indian companies," he said.
Soon after opening the expo, the PM unveiled HTT-40, the indigenous trainer aircraft designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd at the India Pavilion in Gandhinagar's Helipad Ground. He also launched Mission DefSpace, which aims to invite start-ups and MSMEs to provide solutions to 75 challenges.