In News:

India’s defence sector has undergone a structural transformation over the past decade, marked by record production, expanding exports, and deepening indigenisation. In FY 2024–25, India achieved its highest-ever defence production of ?1.54 lakh crore, while defence exports touched a record ?23,622 crore, reflecting the tangible outcomes of the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision in the strategic domain. This shift signifies India’s transition from one of the world’s largest defence importers to an emerging global manufacturing and export hub.

Rising Production and Export Trajectory

Indigenous defence production rose sharply from ?46,429 crore in FY 2014–15 to ?1,27,434 crore in FY 2023–24, registering a growth of about 174%. This expansion has been supported by sustained budgetary commitment, with the defence budget increasing from ?2.53 lakh crore (2013–14) to ?6.81 lakh crore (2025–26). In FY 2024–25 alone, the Ministry of Defence signed 193 contracts worth ?2.09 lakh crore, of which 177 contracts were awarded to domestic industry, reinforcing the “Buy Indian” approach.

Defence exports, once negligible at less than ?1,000 crore in 2014, have grown steadily, with India now exporting to 80–100 countries. Both Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and the private sector have contributed, with the latter’s share rising to 23%, supported by nearly 16,000 MSMEs supplying subsystems, components, and niche technologies.

Policy Reforms Driving Self-Reliance

This growth has been underpinned by far-reaching reforms. The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020prioritised the Buy (Indian–IDDM) category, streamlined approvals, and embedded advanced technologies such as AI, cyber, and space systems into procurement. Complementing this, the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025 simplified revenue procurement worth nearly ?1 lakh crore annually, standardised procedures, enhanced digitalisation, and reduced compliance burdens for industry.

Other key enablers include Positive Indigenisation Lists restricting imports of thousands of items, liberalisedFDI norms (74% automatic, 100% via approval), the ?1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, and innovation platforms such as iDEX and the Technology Development Fund. The restructuring of the Ordnance Factory Board into seven DPSUs improved autonomy and efficiency, while Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu attracted over ?9,000 crore in investments, creating manufacturing clusters.

Defence Exports as Strategic Outreach

Export facilitation has been simplified through digital authorisation portals, Open General Export Licences, and rationalised SOPs, resulting in faster clearances and a wider exporter base. Defence exports are increasingly viewed as instruments of diplomacy, fostering interoperability, long-term partnerships, and strategic trust through training, maintenance, and logistics support alongside equipment sales.

Persistent Challenges

Despite progress, challenges remain. India still depends on imports for critical technologies such as propulsion systems, advanced sensors, electronics, and special materials. Production scale is yet to fully match the Armed Forces’ growing requirements, and DPSUs face stiff competition in global markets. Policy–implementation gaps, bureaucratic delays, and dependence on foreign supply chains continue to constrain competitiveness.

Way Forward

Sustaining momentum requires deep-tech capability building, higher defence R&D spending, stronger private-sector participation, and accelerated procurement reforms. Leveraging export diplomacy, long-term procurement commitments, and ecosystem-based innovation can help India achieve its targets of ?3 lakh crore defence production and ?50,000 crore exports by 2029.

Conclusion

India’s defence sector has entered a decisive phase of Atmanirbharta, with record production, rising exports, and a broad-based industrial ecosystem. If structural reforms are consistently implemented and technological depth is strengthened, India is well-positioned to emerge as a globally competitive defence manufacturing hub by the end of this decade, enhancing both national security and economic growth.

In News:

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently announced the government’s target to expand India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem to a valuation of ?3 lakh crore and enhance defence exports to ?50,000 crore by 2029.This marks a significant step in India’s vision of transforming from the world’s largest arms importer to a global defence manufacturing and export hub.

About the Initiative

The plan represents a strategic roadmap to strengthen India’s indigenous defence production base while increasing global competitiveness. It aligns with the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives in the defence sector.

Key Features and Focus Areas

1. Private Sector Integration

• Encouraging partnerships between private defence manufacturers, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
• Collaboration with foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to facilitate joint ventures, co-development, and technology transfer.
• Promoting participation in the Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to attract domestic and foreign investment.

2. Indigenisation of Defence Platforms

• Expanding indigenous production of major systems such as:
  • LCA Tejas fighter aircraft
  • Akash surface-to-air missiles
  • Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers
  • Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Arjun tanks.
• Focus on import substitution through locally developed components, sensors, and sub-systems.

3. Policy and Regulatory Reforms

• Simplification of defence procurement procedures (DPP) and Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) to ensure faster clearances.
• Streamlined export licensing and authorisation through a single-window system.
• Incentivisation under Make-I, Make-II, and iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) programmes.
• Enhanced funding for start-ups and MSMEs in defence innovation under the Technology Development Fund (TDF).

4. Skill Development and Research

• Establishment of specialised defence education and skilling institutes, such as Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, to build a trained workforce.
• Promotion of R&D collaboration between academia, industry, and DRDO to accelerate innovation in next-generation technologies like AI, robotics, and autonomous systems.

5. Operational Validation

• Indigenous systems have been successfully deployed in real operations—such as Operation Sindoor, which demonstrated the combat readiness and reliability of domestically produced defence equipment.
• Strengthening of quality assurance and field validation processes to enhance global trust in Indian defence products.

Strategic Significance

• Economic Growth:The initiative will boost industrial output, exports, and employment, contributing to India’s defence industrial self-reliance and GDP growth.
• Global Competitiveness:Positions India as a net defence exporter, catering to friendly nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• National Security:Reduces dependence on foreign arms imports and enhances strategic autonomy in critical technologies.
• Technological Innovation:Encourages indigenous innovation and the development of dual-use technologies benefiting both defence and civilian sectors.
• Geopolitical Leverage:Expanding defence exports strengthens India’s diplomatic ties through defence diplomacy and builds strategic partnerships with friendly nations.

Challenges Ahead

• Need for faster project implementation and clearer export procedures.
• Addressing R&D funding gaps and improving private sector participation.
• Ensuring competitive pricing and quality to meet global standards.
• Streamlining coordination among MoD, DRDO, DPSUs, and private players.

Way Forward

• Promote joint ventures with global defence majors to enhance technology absorption.
• Strengthen testing and certification infrastructure to meet international benchmarks.
• Expand defence offset policies to attract advanced technologies.
• Encourage defence start-ups and innovation clusters for rapid prototyping and scalable production.

Conclusion

India’s ambitious target to achieve ?3 lakh crore in defence production and ?50,000 crore in exports by 2029 reflects a paradigm shift toward self-reliance, innovation, and global competitiveness in defence manufacturing.
With sustained policy reforms, technological investment, and industry-academia synergy, India is well-positioned to emerge as a reliable global supplier of advanced defence systems and a pillar of regional security.

In News:

Operation Sindoor marked a significant leap in India's military and technological prowess, not only achieving its strategic objectives but also demonstrating the operational maturity of Made-in-Indiadefence systems. The operation was characterised by a multi-layered approach involving precision strikes, air defence, unmanned systems, and advanced surveillance tools—most of which were indigenously developed.

Precision and Navigation Capabilities

One of the defining features of Operation Sindoor was the pinpoint accuracy of strikes deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Specific terrorist camps and infrastructure were destroyed with minimal collateral damage, underlining India’s commitment to responsible military engagement. This precision was enabled by a combination of advanced guidance systems and real-time data from space-based and ground-based assets.

India's indigenous Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system, offering positional accuracy of 10–20 cm, played a pivotal role. High-resolution satellites such as Cartosat, RISAT, and EOS provided real-time imagery, allowing sub-metre targeting. These capabilities are a result of sustained investments by DRDO and ISRO and reflect the prioritisation of guidance and navigation as a critical technology domain in DRDO’s 2023 R&D roadmap.

Lethality and Advanced Weapon Systems

The destruction caused during Operation Sindoor also demonstrated the high lethality of Indian weapon systems. Deep penetration warheads, advanced fusing mechanisms, and powerful propulsion systems—developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme—were central to the operation’s success. The likely use of the BrahMos missile, equipped with state-of-the-art guidance and propulsion, underscores the maturity of indigenous missile technology.

Emerging technologies such as Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs), including laser-based systems, were reportedly deployed to neutralise incoming drones. DEWs have been a priority sector for the Defence Ministry since 2022, and DRDO showcased them during the 2025 Republic Day Parade.

Integrated Air Defence and Radar Systems

A critical success factor in Operation Sindoor was India’s ability to neutralise almost every aerial threat, including drones and missiles. This was achieved through a combination of imported and indigenous systems. The S-400 Triumph, along with DRDO-developed radars like Rajendra, Rohini, LLTR, and low-level 3D radars, formed a robust air defence network. These systems enabled accurate detection, tracking, and interception of aerial threats.

Cutting-edge R&D continues in radar technologies, including AI-powered signal processing, stealth detection, and foliage-penetrating radars, which will further enhance India’s battlefield awareness and response capability.

Role of Unmanned Systems

For the first time in an India-Pakistan conflict, drones played a decisive role. Indian UAVs executed deep strikes into Pakistani territory, while enemy drone swarms were largely neutralised. India also deployed upgraded Bofors guns and SAMAR systems to counter low-flying threats. The success of unmanned platforms indicates a paradigm shift towards hybrid warfare, with manned-unmanned teaming becoming a future norm.

However, to sustain this capability, India must strengthen its domestic manufacturing base, ensure secure raw material supply chains, and foster collaboration between industry, academia, and the armed forces.

Conclusion:
Operation Sindoor represents a watershed moment in India’s defence preparedness. It validated years of indigenous R&D and affirmed India’s self-reliant defence posture. As warfare evolves, India’s ability to synergise space, cyber, and kinetic capabilities with unmanned platforms will be critical in ensuring strategic deterrence and national security.