Key Notes
- Defence exports have grown 21 times, from ₹4,312 crore in the 2004-14 decade to ₹88,319 crore in the 2014-24 decade, highlighting India’s expanding role in the global defence sector.
- Defence exports surged by 32.5% year-on-year, rising from ₹15,920 crore in FY 2022-23 to ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24.
- India’s diverse export portfolio includes bulletproof jackets, Dornier (Do-228) aircraft, Chetak helicopters, fast interceptor boats, and lightweight torpedoes.
- Notably, ‘Made in Bihar’ boots 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.
- The government aims to achieve ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029, reinforcing India’s role as a global defence manufacturing hub while boosting economic growth.
India’s defence manufacturing sector has reached an unprecedented milestone, with indigenous production surging to a record ₹1.27 lakh crore in Financial Year (FY) 2023-24, a staggering 174% increase from ₹46,429 crore in FY 2014-15. This remarkable growth, driven by the “Make in India” initiative under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscores the nation’s rapid transformation into a self-reliant powerhouse in defence production and a rising player on the global stage.
Once heavily reliant on foreign suppliers, India is now crafting its military strength through homegrown innovation and manufacturing. The defence budget has seen a parallel rise, climbing from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to an impressive ₹6.81 lakh crore in 2025-26, reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to modernizing its armed forces and building a robust defence ecosystem that fuels economic growth.
ATAGS Approval: A Leap in Artillery Power
A landmark achievement in this journey came with the recent approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for the procurement of 307 units of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), alongside 327 High Mobility 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles. Valued at approximately ₹7,000 crore, this deal will equip 15 Artillery Regiments under the Buy Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured (IDDM) category. Developed collaboratively by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, ATAGS is a state-of-the-art 155mm/52 caliber artillery system boasting a range exceeding 40 km. Equipped with advanced fire control, precision targeting, automated loading, and superior recoil management, the system has been rigorously tested across diverse terrains by the Indian Army.
Strategic Policies Drive Growth
The surge in defence production owes much to strategic policies that have encouraged private sector participation, technological innovation, and the development of cutting-edge military platforms. From modern warships and fighter jets to artillery systems and advanced weaponry, India’s defence industry is increasingly meeting the nation’s security needs while positioning itself as a key contributor to the global market.
Notable indigenous platforms include the Dhanush Artillery Gun System, Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Akash Missile System, and a range of naval assets such as destroyers, indigenous aircraft carriers, submarines, frigates, and corvettes. These achievements highlight the success of initiatives aimed at achieving Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), with contributions from Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), other public sector units, and private companies.
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Economic and Strategic Impact
The growth in defence production is not just a matter of military might—it’s an economic boon. The industry’s expansion has created jobs, spurred innovation, and strengthened India’s industrial base. With a focus on indigenization, the country is reducing its dependence on imports, conserving foreign exchange, and enhancing its strategic autonomy.
Defence analysts view this transformation as a game-changer. “India’s shift toward indigenous manufacturing is a testament to its resolve to secure its borders and assert its sovereignty,” said a senior official from the Ministry of Defence. “The ATAGS approval is just one example of how India is leveraging its technological prowess to build a future-ready military.”
A Global Defence Player
With its highest-ever growth in defence production, India is no longer just a consumer of military hardware but a producer of world-class systems. The “Make in India” initiative has not only bolstered national security but also positioned India as an emerging exporter of defence equipment, further amplifying its influence in the global defence landscape.
As the nation continues to invest in modernization and self-reliance, the record-breaking ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24 stands as a powerful symbol of India’s ambition—to defend its sovereignty with strength forged at home.
