India’s defence sector is on an upward trajectory, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman Samir V Kamat asserting that the country is on track to achieve its ambitious defence export target of Rs 50,000 crore by 2028-29. Speaking to reporters after participating in the convocation ceremony of the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, Kamat highlighted the growing global interest in Indian defence systems, particularly the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), the Brahmos supersonic cruise missile, and the Akash surface-to-air missile system.
“We should achieve Rs 50,000 crore by 2028-29, which is the target also set to us by the Raksha Mantri. There is a lot of interest in Pinaka, in ATAGS, in Brahmos, in Akash,” Kamat said, expressing confidence that India’s defence exports will surge in the coming years. Countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa are increasingly showing interest in Indian defence systems, a trend Kamat attributes to the success of these systems in recent military operations, including Operation Sindoor.
India’s defence exports have already reached a record high of Rs 23,622 crore in the financial year 2024-25, marking a 12.04 per cent growth over the previous year’s Rs 21,083 crore. Kamat believes this momentum will continue, predicting that exports could double in the next two to three years.
The surge in defence exports is part of a broader trend in India’s defence production, which has soared to an all-time high of Rs 150,590 crore in 2024-25. This represents an 18 per cent increase over the previous fiscal year and a staggering 90 per cent growth since 2019-20, when production stood at Rs 79,071 crore. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has praised the collective efforts of the Department of Defence Production and all stakeholders in achieving this milestone, calling it a clear indicator of India’s strengthening defence industrial base.
Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and other PSUs accounted for approximately 77 per cent of total production, while the private sector contributed 23 per cent. The government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) and Make in India initiatives have played a crucial role in this growth. Schemes like the production-linked incentive (PLI) have been introduced to make Indian manufacturers globally competitive, attract investments, enhance exports, and reduce dependency on imports.
“It’s indeed a proud moment for all of us. It’s a reflection of the strength of our R&D and production in the defence domain. I’m sure going ahead, this number will keep increasing,” Kamat said, highlighting the government’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The present government, which came to power in 2014, has prioritised these initiatives, fostering a robust defence industrial ecosystem.
The government is also investing heavily in defence and aerospace manufacturing, with several defence hubs being established. Many global companies have either shared or expressed intent to share critical defence and aerospace knowledge with India. This collaboration is expected to further bolster India’s defence capabilities and export potential.
A wide range of items, including ammunition, arms, subsystems/systems, and parts and components, were exported to around 80 countries in the just-concluded financial year, according to the Ministry of Defence. The latest conflict with Pakistan has underscored the critical need for self-reliance in defence manufacturing, reinforcing the importance of these initiatives.
As India continues to strengthen its defence industrial base, the sector is poised for significant growth, with both domestic and international markets offering substantial opportunities. The country’s ability to innovate, produce, and export cutting-edge defence systems will be crucial in shaping its role as a global defence powerhouse.
