Mumbai : In a striking testament to India’s growing prowess as a global defence exporter, the country has witnessed a remarkable 34-fold surge in defence exports over the past 11 years. From a modest ₹686 crore in 2013-14, India has rocketed to an all-time high of ₹23,622 crore in 2024-25, setting a new benchmark in indigenous defence manufacturing and international trust.
This upward trajectory continues steadily, with the latest fiscal year registering a 12.04% year-on-year growth — translating to an additional ₹2,539 crore in defence exports over the previous year.
A major driver of this growth has been the private sector, which led the charge with exports valued at ₹15,233 crore in FY 2024-25, up from ₹15,209 crore the previous year. Not to be left behind, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) have shown impressive momentum, clocking ₹8,389 crore in exports — a notable 42.85% increase from ₹5,874 crore in FY 2023-24.
India’s defence footprint now spans across nearly 80 countries, signalling its evolution into a reliable global supplier. The country’s export portfolio includes a diverse range of equipment such as Dornier Do-228 aircraft, Chetak helicopters, 155mm artillery shells, lightweight torpedoes, and bulletproof jackets. A symbolic achievement came when ‘Made in Bihar’ combat boots found their way into the Russian Army’s arsenal, underscoring the quality and reach of Indian manufacturing.
Underpinning this success is a suite of policy reforms initiated by the Indian government. Simplified export authorization processes, removal of licensing requirements for select items, and extended license validity have collectively streamlined operations. In FY 2024-25 alone, 1,762 export authorizations were issued — a 16.92% increase from the previous year. The number of active defence exporters also rose by 17.4%, reflecting heightened participation from industry players.
Looking ahead, India has set even more ambitious targets under its “Vision 2029”: defence exports of ₹50,000 crore and domestic production valued at ₹3 lakh crore. These goals are aligned with the country’s broader push for Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) and its emergence as a global hub for defence manufacturing.
With robust policy support, expanding market presence, and continued innovation, India’s defence sector appears poised for an even stronger performance in the years to come.
