NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, MAR 25
India aims for the indigenous production of defence equipment worth ₹3 lakh crore and their exports worth ₹50,000 crore by the year 2029. Defence Production in India has crossed the figure of ₹1,27,265 lakh crore in the Financial Year 2023-24, as per the estimates released by the Ministry of Defence. It is a 174% rise since 2014-15. Defence Exports has been estimated at ₹21,083 crore in 2023-24, which has expanded 30 times in a decade, with exports to more than a hundred countries.
India’s remarkable strides in defence production and exports underscore its transformation into a self-reliant and globally competitive military manufacturing hub.
With ambitious targets set for 2029, the nation is poised to further expand its global footprint, reinforcing its… pic.twitter.com/RkDXxpKlwK
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) March 25, 2025
India’s diverse export portfolio includes bulletproof jackets, Dornier (Do-228) aircraft, Chetak helicopters, fast interceptor boats and lightweight torpedoes. The boots being made in Bihar are now part of the Russian Army’s gear, highlighting India’s high manufacturing standards. India now exports defence equipment to over 100 countries, with the USA, France, and Armenia emerging as the top buyers in 2023-24.
- Defence Production in India has crossed the figure of ₹1,27,265 lakh crore in the Financial Year 2023-24
- Defence Exports has been estimated at ₹21,083 crore in 2023-24, which has expanded 30 times in a decade, with exports to more than a hundred countries
- The surge in the defence budget, from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to ₹6.81 lakh crore in 2025-26 underlines the nation’s determination to strengthen its military infrastructure
The Make in India initiative of the Government of India has powered defence production to register impressive growth. Once dependent on foreign suppliers, India now stands as a rising force in indigenous manufacturing, shaping its military strength through home grown capabilities. Initiatives like the Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and SAMARTHYA are driving technological advancements in AI, cyber warfare and indigenous weapon systems. 14,000-plus items relating to defence production have been indigenised under the Department of Defence Production scheme called SRIJAN and 3,000 under the Positive Indigenisation Lists. Private participation, technological innovation, and the development of advanced military platforms are being encouraged under such initiatives.
The surge in the defence budget, from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to ₹6.81 lakh crore in 2025-26 underlines the nation’s determination to strengthen its military infrastructure. This commitment to self-reliance and modernisation is reflected in the recent approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for the procurement of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), a significant step in enhancing the Army’s firepower. The deal includes 307 units of 155mm/52 caliber guns along with 327 High Mobility 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles, equipping 15 Artillery Regiments under the Buy Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured (IDDM) category, at an estimated cost of ₹7,000 crore. Developed by DRDO with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, ATAGS is a cutting-edge artillery system with a 40+ km range, advanced fire control, precision targeting, automated loading, and recoil management, thoroughly tested by the Indian Army in all terrains.
With modern warships, fighter jets, artillery systems and cutting-edge weaponry being built within the country, India is now a key player in the global defence manufacturing landscape, driven by the successful implementation of government policies and initiatives led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, focusing on attaining self-reliance. Advanced military platforms including the Dhanush Artillery Gun System, Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun, Light Specialist Vehicles, High Mobility Vehicles, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Akash Missile System, Weapon Locating Radar, 3D Tactical Control Radar and Software Defined Radio (SDR) as well as naval assets like destroyers, indigenous aircraft carriers, submarines, frigates, corvettes, fast patrol vessels, fast attack craft, and offshore patrol vessels testify to India’s prowess in indigenous defence production.
It is estimated that, 65% of defence equipment are now manufactured domestically, a significant shift from the earlier 65-70% import dependency. ₹449.62 crore has been allocated to iDEX, including its sub-scheme called Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI), for 2025-26. As of February 2025, 549 problem statements have been opened, involving 619 start-ups and MSMEs, with 430 iDEX contracts signed.
India has a robust defence industrial base including 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings, over 430 licensed companies and approximately 16,000 MSMEs, strengthening indigenous production capabilities. The private sector plays a crucial role, contributing 21% to total defence production, fostering innovation and efficiency.
