India's defence industry takes off: The numbers explained
India's defence manufacturing sector has transformed over the past decade, moving from heavy import dependence toward genuine domestic capability. Production hit a record Rs 1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26, more than double 2020-21 levels, against a Rs 3 lakh crore target by 2029, backed by a defence budget that has tripled since 2013-14. Exports are the standout metric, up 56-fold to a record Rs…
India's defense industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, with production soaring to a record Rs 1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26. This growth, up 15.6% from the previous year, is nearly double what it was five years ago in 2020-21. The government's defense budget has tripled since 2013-14, reaching Rs 7.85 lakh crore in 2026-27, while capital expenditure for new platforms has more than doubled.
The export sector has also seen explosive growth, increasing more than 56 times to reach Rs 38,424 crore in the last financial year. Private companies now contribute nearly 45% of these exports, a significant shift from the past. The defense production sector remains dominated by public sector undertakings, accounting for around 76% of total output, with private companies now reaching 24%.
This push for self-reliance in defense is seen as crucial for achieving great power status, as it ensures a nation can sustain long wars and resist foreign pressure.
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