UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 29 August 2026

Open General Export Licence Latest News

Recently, the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence has undertaken a comprehensive set of reforms to simplify the Defence Export Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and the Open General Export Licence (OGEL) framework.

About Open General Export Licence

It was first introduced in 2019, following demands from exporters, to make defence exports easier.
It is a standing one-time export authorization.
It enables eligible exporters to self-generate export authorisations for multiple consignments of specified defence items, without seeking a separate authorisation for each consignment.
OEGL Framework
- The government has merged three existing OGEL SOPs covering major platforms and equipment, parts and components, and intra-company transfer of technology into a single framework.
- Validity: OGEL validity has been increased from two to three years, reducing the frequency of renewals and associated compliance requirements.
- Countries covered: OGEL coverage has been expanded from 41 to all countries, except negative/sensitive nations and those facing UN Security Council sanctions or arms embargoes.
- A new provision facilitates Indian companies having long-term contracts or agreements with Foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (FOEMs).
  - OGEL may be granted for eligible items and the particular FOEM, with validity aligned with the underlying contract or agreement, subject to prescribed conditions.
- Expanded Coverage: The range of items covered under OGEL has been expanded, providing greater flexibility to eligible exporters.
  - The revised framework also permits civil-end-use exports of specified parts and components of small-calibre arms and protective equipment, further broadening legitimate international business opportunities.

Source: PIB

Open General Export Licence FAQs

Q1: What is OGEL?

Ans: One-time blanket permission to export specified items to specified destinations without applying for SCOMET licence each time

Q2: What is the Purpose of Open General Export Licence?

Ans: Ease of doing business defence export

About Javelin Missile

It is an American-made, medium-range, man-portable, anti-tank guided missile.
The Javelin first entered service with the US military in 1996.
It is developed and produced jointly by American defence majors Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.

Key features of Javelin Missile

Javelin is a single man-portable fire-and-forget medium-range antitank weapon system.
It can be fired in top or direct attack modes.
Range: It has a standard effective range of 2.5 km.
A single person can carry this missile system and fire it from their shoulder.
It can also be fired from a remote launcher mounted on an unmanned ground vehicle.
It is designed to tackle heavily armored vehicles such as main battle tanks and lighter-skinned military vehicles.
It is also effective against fortifications, bunkers and helicopters.

Working of Javelin Missile

It automatically guides itself to the target after launch, allowing the gunner to take cover and avoid counter fire.
The soldiers or marines using it can reposition immediately after firing, or reload to “engage another threat.”
The weapon uses an arched top-attack profile, climbing above its target for improved visibility, and then strikes where the armor is weakest.

Source: IE

Javelin Missile FAQ's

Q1: What is Javelin Missile?

Ans: It is an American-made, medium-range, man-portable, anti-tank guided missile.

Q2: Which companies have developed the Javelin Missile?

Ans: It is developed and produced jointly by American defence majors Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.