India’s defence exports hit all-time high: Here’s what Indian arms companies are shipping to US, France and more

India’s defence exports have reached an all-time high of Rs 38,424 crore in the financial year 2025–26, marking a sharp 62.7 per cent increase from Rs 23,622 crore in the previous fiscal. The surge reflects the country’s growing ambition to emerge as a global hub for defence manufacturing.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the achievement, highlighting it as a major step towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of positioning India among the world’s top defence exporters.

In a post on X, Singh said the Rs 14,802 crore jump in exports demonstrates increasing global confidence in India’s indigenous capabilities and advanced manufacturing strength.

India Defence Exports: Public and Private Sectors Drive Expansion

The growth has been powered by a strong collaboration between public and private sectors:

• Defence Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs): 54.84% contribution
• Private sector: 45.16% contribution

In value terms:

• PSUs exported Rs 21,071 crore worth of equipment
• Private firms contributed Rs 17,353 crore

Notably, PSU exports surged by 151 per cent year-on-year, while private sector exports rose by 14 per cent, underlining the expanding role of domestic industry in defence production.

Wide Range of High-Value Defence Exports

India’s export portfolio includes a diverse mix of advanced military equipment, such as:

• Missile systems, including BrahMos cruise missiles
• Artillery systems and radars
• Electronic warfare systems
• Armoured vehicles and mine-protected vehicles
• Dornier-228 aircraft
• Specialised naval platforms and boats
• Protective gear, including body armour and bulletproof jackets

This broad range highlights India’s capability not just in manufacturing complete systems but also in supplying subsystems and components globally.

Exports Reach Over 80 Countries

India is now exporting defence equipment to more than 80 countries, reflecting its expanding global footprint.

Key export destinations include:

• United States
• France
• Armenia

Other important partners include the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Israel, Germany, Belgium, and several African nations.

Rising Number of Defence Exporters

The number of Indian defence exporters has increased to 145 in FY 2025–26, up from 128 in the previous year, a growth of 13.3 per cent. This rise indicates growing participation from domestic firms and a strengthening industrial base.

India’s Push to Become a Global Defence Hub

Defence exports have nearly tripled over the past five years, signalling strong momentum in India’s push for self-reliance and global competitiveness in the sector.

The latest figures reinforce India’s position as an emerging player in the global defence market, backed by policy support, technological advancement, and increasing international demand for its products.

Inputs from TOI