Mumbai, April 3 : The $15.9 billion Mahindra group Wednesday announced that S. P. Shukla will head Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS), a wholly owned subsidiary which is today regarded as a major Indian player in the Indian defence sector.

Shukla, who earlier headed the group's strategy function, has been redesignated as president - Group Strategy, Defence Sector and Chief Brand Officer.

"Today, Mahindra Defence Systems is a leading provider of innovative, armoured solutions for the military and paramilitary forces and with over 30 years of varied experience in managing large projects and operations, S. P. Shukla is well poised to help Mahindra Defence Systems tap the vast potential in the Indian and global defence sector," said Anand Mahindra, chairman, Mahindra Group.

An alumnus of IIT-BHU, Varanasi, and IIM Ahmedabad, Shukla is a veteran manager in the Indian corporate sector. He serves on the boards of several Mahindra group companies in various sectors. Additionally, he is a member of the Investment Committee of Mahindra Partners which overseas the group's foray into new ventures such as solar energy, retai and logistics.

He is also chairman of Mahindra Racing, Italy and leads several other initiatives for the Mahindra group in the sports arena and cultural outreach.

Mahindra Defence Systems started operations as a division of M&M in 2000 and over the years, it has emerged as a significant player in the supply of up-armoured solutions for the military and paramilitary forces. This capability was the starting point for the creation of Defence Land Systems India (DLSI).

MDS entered the naval defence sector in 2007 through Mahindra Defence Naval Systems (MDNS) whose offerings include sea mines, torpedo launchers and anti-torpedo decoy launchers to the Navy, as well as sophisticated components to the ordnance factories and DRDO.

This was followed by the first overseas venture - Mahindra Emirates Vehicle Armouring (MEVA) in 2010 in the UAE.

Further growth potential came through the strategic acquisition of the Weapon System Trainer in December 2012 which allows flight crew to simulate flying operations in all conditions.

The most recent addition is an upcoming joint venture between Mahindra Defence Systems and Telephonics Corporation of the USA. This company is setting up a world class facility in Bangalore to manufacture, repair and overhaul airborne radars, aircraft communication systems and mobile surveillance systems.

Based in Mumbai, the Mahindra group employs more than 155,000 people in over 100 countries. In 2012, it featured on the Forbes Global 2000, a listing of the biggest and most powerful listed companies in the world.(IANS)