New Delhi: India’s defence exports have reached an all-time high of ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025-26, marking a 62.66% increase over the previous fiscal’s ₹23,622 crore, according to data released by the Press Information Bureau.
The growth of ₹14,802 crore within one year represents one of the strongest expansions in India’s defence manufacturing history and highlights the government’s efforts to position India as a global defence manufacturing hub. Over the past five years, India’s defence exports have nearly tripled, reflecting rapid growth in indigenous defence production capacity.
Rajnath Singh Highlights India’s Global Defence Ambitions
Reacting to the milestone, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Department of Defence Production, defence exporters, and all stakeholders for achieving this record figure.
In a post on X, the minister said India is steadily moving toward becoming a global hub for defence equipment manufacturing, describing the surge in exports as an “impressive defence exports success story” under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The ministry noted that this export momentum aligns with India’s vision of becoming one of the world’s leading defence-exporting nations.
DPSUs Lead the Charge with 151% Growth
A major highlight of FY 2025-26 is the exceptional growth of Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
DPSU Contribution:
- Exports: ₹21,071 crore
- Growth: 151% over previous year
Private Sector Contribution:
- Exports: ₹17,353 crore
- Growth: 14% over previous year
Share in Total Exports:
- DPSUs: 54.84%
- Private Sector: 45.16%
For comparison, in FY 2024-25:
- DPSUs: ₹8,389 crore
- Private sector: ₹15,233 crore
This shows that state-owned defence firms have accelerated export performance significantly in one year.
Indian Defence Products Now Reach Over 80 Countries
India is exporting defence equipment, systems, and sub-systems to more than 80 countries, indicating strong global acceptance of Indian-made military hardware.
The Defence Ministry highlighted that Indian firms are emerging as reliable international partners, not only in finished defence systems but also in components, sub-systems, and supply chain support.
Number of Defence Exporters Rises to 145
The number of Indian defence exporters increased from 128 to 145, a 13.3% annual rise, reflecting broader participation from:
- Large defence manufacturers
- Medium enterprises
- Emerging private defence startups
- Component suppliers
The government views this as a strong sign of industrial diversification and growing private sector involvement in India’s defence sector.
Ease of Doing Business Reforms Boost Export Growth
Regulatory reforms have played a major role in the surge in exports. Key steps include:
- Revamped online export authorisation portal
- Simplified Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Faster export approvals
- Streamlined licensing processes
These measures have improved efficiency and encouraged more firms to enter international defence markets.
Five-Year Growth Reflects Defence Industrial Transformation
The record export figure confirms that India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem is undergoing a structural transformation:
- Defence exports have nearly tripled in five years
- Domestic manufacturing capacity has expanded
- Indigenous platforms have attracted global buyers
The sector is now considered a strong pillar of India’s strategic manufacturing ambitions.
Policy Push Behind Export Expansion
The growth reflects continued policy support under initiatives like:
- Make in India
- Defence industrial corridors
- Export promotion programs
- Indigenous procurement priorities
These measures have enhanced competitiveness and global visibility of Indian defence products.
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