Make in India Fuels Defence Boom: ₹1.27 Lakh Crore Production & Record Exports
Make in India Spurs Defence Growth, Targets ₹3 Lakh Crore by 2029
BNH NETWORK
India’s Defence Industry Reaches New Heights with Make in India Initiative
India’s ambitious Make in India initiative has propelled the country’s defence production to a record ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, marking a 174% growth since 2014-15. Defence exports, once negligible, have now crossed ₹21,083 crore, expanding 30 times in the last decade, making India a formidable force in global defence manufacturing.
The surge in production is a result of strategic policies encouraging private sector participation, technological advancements, and large-scale indigenisation. India now aims for ₹3 lakh crore in defence production and ₹50,000 crore in exports by 2029, reinforcing its position as a global leader in military manufacturing.
Surge in Indigenous Defence Production
- India now manufactures 65% of its defence equipment domestically, a major shift from its previous 70% import dependency.
- 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), 430+ licensed companies, and over 16,000 MSMEs drive indigenous production.
- The private sector contributes 21% to total defence production, fostering innovation and competition.
- Flagship indigenous projects include LCA Tejas, Arjun Tank, Akash Missile System, ATAGS, Light Utility Helicopters, and Naval Frigates.
- The defence budget has surged from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to ₹6.81 lakh crore in 2025-26, ensuring robust infrastructure development.
India’s Defence Exports at an All-Time High
- Defence exports rose from ₹686 crore in 2013-14 to ₹21,083 crore in 2023-24, a 30-fold increase.
- India exports bulletproof jackets, Do-228 aircraft, Chetak helicopters, torpedoes, and fast interceptor boats to over 100 countries.
- Top buyers include USA, France, and Armenia, with ‘Made in Bihar’ boots now worn by the Russian Army.
- The government’s goal: ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.
Major Defence Indigenisation Initiatives
- SRIJAN: Over 14,000 items indigenised; 38,000+ items listed for domestic manufacturing.
- Positive Indigenisation Lists (PILs): 5 lists issued, indigenising over 3,000 high-end defence items.
- Defence Industrial Corridors: ₹53,439 crore investment committed across Tamil Nadu & Uttar Pradesh corridors.
- Ease of Doing Business (EoDB): 700+ industrial licences issued, major policy shifts to boost investments.
- iDEX & ADITI: 619 startups/MSMEs engaged; ₹449.62 crore allocated for futuristic technology development.
Advanced Defence Systems Driving Growth
- ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System): ₹7,000 crore deal signed for 307 units.
- SAMARTHYA Initiative: Showcased 33 indigenous defence technologies at Aero India 2025.
- Key Indigenised Systems: RudraM-II Missile, Naval Anti-Ship Missile (Short Range), C4ISR System, 3D Tactical Radar.
- MAKE Projects: 145 defence innovation projects underway, including autonomous weapon systems and AI-driven platforms.
India’s March Towards Global Defence Leadership
From being heavily dependent on foreign imports to becoming a self-sufficient defence powerhouse, India has redefined its military-industrial landscape. With a record-breaking surge in defence production and exports, the country is on track to emerge as a global leader in defence manufacturing. As strategic investments and innovations continue, India’s commitment to self-reliance and technological superiority will shape its future as a formidable defence hub on the world stage.
