India has achieved a historic milestone in defence production, with output soaring to ₹1.51 lakh crore (₹1,50,590 crore), approximately $18.19 billion USD. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has hailed this as a testament to the country’s strengthening industrial base, crediting the collective efforts of the Department of Defence Production, public sector manufacturers, and the private industry.
The growth trajectory is striking: an 18% increase from ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023–24 and a remarkable 90% surge from ₹79,071 crore in FY 2019–20. This upward trend underscores India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing, a core objective of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The public sector, including Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), remains the backbone of this growth, contributing 77% of total production. However, the private sector is rapidly gaining ground, accounting for 23% of output—up from 21% last year. This shift reflects the strategic push towards indigenisation and ease of doing business, fostering a more competitive and dynamic defence industry.
Exports have also seen a significant boost, reaching ₹23,622 crore—a 12.04% increase from the previous fiscal year. This export momentum positions India as an emerging player in the global defence market, with the potential to further expand its international footprint.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attributed this success to the collective efforts of all stakeholders and the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “This achievement is a clear indicator of India’s strengthening defence industrial base,” he stated, highlighting the strategic importance of a robust domestic defence sector.
The surge in defence production and exports has broader strategic implications. It signals India’s growing capability to meet its own defence needs while also becoming a reliable supplier in the global market. The blend of public-private growth, policy reforms, and export momentum suggests a maturing industrial base with long-term potential.
As India continues to invest in its defence capabilities, this milestone could pave the way for further innovation, collaboration, and self-sufficiency in the sector. The focus on indigenisation and export capability not only strengthens national security but also enhances India’s position as a key player in the global defence landscape.
