India’s defence exports have registered an increase of 23 times according to the information given by the Defense Ministry. India’s defence exports have reached an all-time high of approximately 16,000 Crore in the financial year 2022-2023. Moreover, defence production crossed the figure of Rs one lakh crore for the first time. BrahMos, Akash missiles and Tejas manufactured in India are in highest demand. Moreover, Indian design and development capabilities in defence equipment now reach more than 85 countries.
After Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed power at the Center in 2014 and promoted Make in India, India is not only becoming self-reliant in the field of defence but is also emerging as a major player in the world in terms of defence exports.
Major exported weapons
Currently, 100 Indian firms are exporting defence products, showcasing the country’s design and development capabilities to the world.
According to the Ministery of Defence, the major exported weapons are:-
- Dornier-228
- 155 mm Advanced Towed Artillery Guns
- Brahmos Missiles
- Akash Missile System
- Radars
- Simulators
- Mine Protected Vehicles
- Armoured Vehicles
- PINAKA Rockets & Launchers
- Ammunitions
- Thermal Imagers
- Body Armours
- Line Replaceable Units
- Parts and components of Avionics
- Small Arms.
Furthermore, there is a rising demand worldwide for LCA-Tejas, light combat helicopters, aircraft carriers, MRO activities, and more.
India’s Defence Exports to Countries
The information given by the ministry states that the demand for Indian arms is increasing in various regions, especially in Latin American countries, African countries, and South-East Asian countries. This is being seen not only in the field of arms supply but also as a sign of increasing demand for Indian defence products.
Apart from this, Light Combat Helicopters and Aircraft Carriers are also being introduced in foreign markets and their demand is increasing. At the same time, Tejas is an important and high-performance light combat aircraft, which has been designed and developed for the use of the Indian Air Force. It has one seat and one jet engine and its development is playing an important role in India’s defence plans. Due to this quality, it is also in great demand.