Defence exports of India have taken a 30-fold leap in the last 10 years. This reflects the world’s acceptance of Indian defence products and technologies. India’s defence sector is undergoing a massive and historic transformation. For decades, the country was one of the world’s largest importers of defence equipment. India was relying heavily on foreign suppliers for its military needs.
However, the narrative has dramatically changed. In a spectacular display of industrial growth and self-reliance, India’s defence exports have skyrocketed by over 30 times in the last 10 years, moving from a mere ₹686 crore in FY 2013-14 to a record high of over ₹21,000 crore (around $2.5 billion) in FY 2023-24. This remarkable jump isn’t just an impressive number. It signals India’s powerful emergence as a significant player in the global defence manufacturing landscape.
A senior official said that with defence exports to more than 85 countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, India’s defence industry has demonstrated its capability in design and development. Currently, approximately 100 companies in the country export defence products.
The Vision: Driving Self-Reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat)
The core driving force behind this phenomenal growth is the government’s strategic push for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India), particularly in the defence sector. This policy aims to build a robust, indigenous defence industry capable of meeting the country’s own security requirements. Simultaneously, it is becoming a net exporter of high-quality military hardware.
This transformation has involved a comprehensive shift in focus:
- Prioritising Local Procurement: A significant portion of the defence capital acquisition budget is now earmarked for domestic procurement. Thus, it offers a guaranteed market for Indian manufacturers.
- Encouraging the Private Sector: The government has made significant policy changes to simplify licensing and improve the ease of doing business. Moreover, the government is providing a level playing field for private companies. This has led to the emergence of major Indian conglomerates and thousands of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as key suppliers.
- Dedicated Initiatives: Programs like the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme encourage startups and innovators to develop cutting-edge military technologies. At the same time, Defence Industrial Corridors in states like Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are creating dedicated, incentivised hubs for manufacturing.
Key Figures: The Quantum Leap in Numbers
The numbers vividly illustrate the scale of this achievement:
| Metric | FY 2013-2014 (approx.) | FY 2023-2024 (approx.) | Growth |
| Defence Exports Value | ₹686 Crore | ₹21,083 Crore | Over 30x Jump |
| Total Defence Production | ₹46,429 Crore | ₹1,27,265 Crore | 174% Increase |
| Export Destinations | Few Dozen | Over 85 Countries | Expanded Global Reach |
This surge reflects the growing global acceptability of Indian defence products, showcasing their quality and competitive pricing. The government has also implemented a streamlined, end-to-end digital portal for export authorisations. This significantly reduces bureaucratic delays and further boosts the ease of exporting.
Defence Exports Quality: Products and Destinations
India’s defence exports basket is no longer limited to small parts and components. It now includes advanced, high-technology systems that are finding buyers worldwide.
Major Defence Export Products
The diverse range of equipment being exported highlights India’s multi-domain capability:
- Missile Systems: The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile (jointly developed with Russia) is a flagship export, notably to the Philippines. The Akash Air Defence Missile System and Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Systems have also secured major contracts.
- Aerospace: Products such as the Dornier 228 aircraft and Chetak helicopters are being exported.
- Naval Assets: Fast interceptor boats and various naval systems.
- Ammunition and Protection: Artillery guns, radars, simulators, body armour, and components for global aerospace majors like Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
Key Defence Exports Destinations
Indian defence products are currently being exported to over 85 countries. The top buyers are often nations in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Notably, countries such as the United States (primarily for components and subsystems), France (electronics and software), and Armenia (finished weapon systems such as Pinaka and Akash) have emerged as major partners. Moreover, this widening geographical spread underlines the trust and quality associated with “Made in India” defence goods.
The Road Ahead: Ambitious Targets of Defence Exports
The journey doesn’t end here. The exponential growth in defence exports has spurred the government to set even more ambitious targets for the coming years. Thus, aiming to solidify India’s position as a global defence manufacturing and export hub.
The long-term goal is to achieve:
- A total defence manufacturing turnover of ₹3 lakh crore (approximately $36 billion) by 2029.
- Defence exports are expected to reach ₹50,000 crore (approximately $6 billion) by 2029.
Achieving these targets will require sustained policy support, continued investment in Research and Development (R&D) to bridge critical technology gaps, and fostering even deeper collaboration between public sector undertakings (DPSUs), the private industry, and international partners. Above all, the current success story of a 30-fold leap in a decade provides a strong foundation and immense confidence that India is well on its way to achieving true strategic autonomy and becoming a trusted, key player in the global defence supply chain.