India’s defence production exceeded ₹1 lakh crore for the first time on Friday, marking a remarkable milestone for the country.

Image source: Ministry of Defence website

With an eye on further growth, India aims to achieve a turnover of ₹1,75,000 crores in defence manufacturing by 2024-25, showcasing its commitment to self-reliance in the defence sector.

Optimism for Indigenisation

Air Marshal Anil Chopra (retd), the Director General of the Centre for Air Power Studies, expressed optimism about India’s progress in indigenisation, attributing the results to the steps taken for Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence.

He emphasized that if the current pace of indigenisation is maintained, the target of ₹1,75,000 crores can be accomplished within the next two years.

Image source: The Hindustan Times

The Ministry of Defence recently disclosed the value of defence products for the F.Y.2022-23, after announcing a new list of 928 defence items which will come under a phased import ban between December 2024 and December 2029.

It includes replacement units, sub-systems, components, and spares, encompassing various aspects of fighter planes, trainer aircraft, warships, and ammunition.

This announcement follows the publication of three indigenisation lists in December 2021, March 2022, and August 2022 which consist of 4,666 items, out of which 2,736 items have an import substitution value of ₹2,570 crores, and have been indigenised.

India Import Bans

To achieve this, India has adopted a dual approach, involving import bans on weapons and systems such as fighter jets, warships, helicopters, artillery guns’ sub-systems, spares, and components that form part of larger weapon platforms.

Four other lists have already been published, imposing phased import bans on 411 different types of weapons and platforms.

Image source: Google

Boosting Self-Reliance and Export Potential

It also mentioned about allocating a budget for domestically manufactured weapons and systems has been crucial to boosting self-reliance. This year’s defence budget set aside ₹1 lakh crore for domestic procurement, a significant increase compared to the previous three years. India’s focus extends beyond reducing dependence on imports; it also aims to bolster exports.

Record-Breaking Defence Exports

In FY 2022-23 alone, India achieved a record-breaking export value of military hardware, amounting to ₹15,920 crores—a remarkable tenfold increase since 2016-17.

India is currently exporting military equipment to approximately 85 countries, involving around 100 firms in the export process.

Exports include missiles, artillery guns, rockets, armoured vehicles, offshore patrol vessels, protective gear, radars, surveillance systems, and ammunition. Notable items with export potential include the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), various types of helicopters, the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, and tanks.

Bullet-proof jackets are being exported to 34 countries, including Australia, Japan, Israel, and Brazil, while ammunition is being supplied to around 10 countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Fast interceptor boats are being exported to Mauritius, Seychelles, and the Maldives, while defence electronics are being supplied to countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.

India’s Future Outlook and Export Targets

India’s defence exports have been steadily increasing over the years, and the country has set a defence export target of ₹35,000 crores by 2024-25.

The positive trajectory in both defence production and exports showcases India’s growing capabilities and potential in the global defence market, further strengthening its position as a key player in the industry.

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