India has emerged as a formidable force in indigenous defence manufacturing, achieving its highest-ever growth in domestic defence production. According to the Ministry of Defence, the country recorded defence production worth Rs 1,27,265 crore in the financial year (FY) 2023-24, marking a staggering 174% increase from Rs 46,429 crore in 2014-15. The milestone has been largely attributed to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, which has propelled the development of state-of-the-art military platforms and weapons systems, as highlighted in a statement from the Defence Ministry.
Unprecedented Growth in Defence Exports
India’s defence exports have also witnessed an unprecedented rise, reaching an all-time high of Rs 21,083 crore in FY 2023-24—an exponential 30-fold increase from Rs 686 crore in FY 2013-14. The country now exports military equipment to over 100 nations, with the United States, France, and Armenia emerging as key buyers.
Among India’s major defence exports are bulletproof jackets, Dornier Do-228 aircraft, Chetak helicopters, fast interceptor boats, and lightweight torpedoes. The defence export sector experienced a 32.5% year-on-year surge, rising from Rs 15,920 crore in FY 2022-23 to Rs 21,083 crore in FY 2023-24.
Driving Technological Advancements
Several initiatives, such as Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and SAMARTHYA, have played a pivotal role in fostering technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), cyber warfare, and indigenous weapon systems. The government’s SRIJAN initiative has led to the indigenisation of over 14,000 defence-related items, while 3,000 critical components have been earmarked under the Positive Indigenisation Lists.
Indigenous Defence Platforms and Naval Assets
India’s indigenous defence ecosystem has made significant strides in developing advanced military platforms across various sectors. The Dhanush Artillery Gun System and the Advanced Towed Gun System stand out in artillery systems. The armoured vehicle segment features the Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun, along with Light Specialist Vehicles and High Mobility Vehicles. In aviation, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) showcase India’s capabilities. The missile and radar systems include the Akash Missile System, Weapon Locating Radar, 3D Tactical Control Radar, and Software Defined Radio (SDR). Additionally, the naval sector has witnessed substantial progress with the indigenous production of destroyers, aircraft carriers, submarines, frigates, corvettes, fast patrol vessels, fast attack craft, and offshore patrol vessels.
Self-Reliance in Defence Manufacturing: 65% Equipment Indigenous
According to ministry data, 65% of defence equipment is now manufactured domestically—an impressive shift for a nation that previously relied on imports for 65-70% of its defence needs. The private sector has played a crucial role in this transformation, contributing 21% of total defence production.
Vision for the Future: Rs 3 lakh Crore Defence Production
India has set ambitious targets, aiming to achieve Rs 3 lakh crore in total defence production and Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029. The government’s sustained focus on self-reliance, investments in indigenous capabilities, and streamlined procurement processes are expected to further strengthen India’s standing as a global defence manufacturing hub.
With its rapid strides in innovation and production, India is well on its way to cementing its position as a key player in the global defence industry, reducing its dependency on imports while enhancing its strategic autonomy.
Team BharatShakti
