Kamal Ghorui
New Delhi: In line with PM Modi’s vision to position India among the world’s top defence exporters, the country’s military exports have touched an all-time high of Rs 38,424 crore in the financial year (FY) 2025-26, marking a sharp 62.7 per cent rise over the previous fiscal year’s figure of Rs 23,622 crore.Lauding the exemplary performance of the department of defence production, Indian exporters and other stakeholders, defence minister Rajnath Singh said India is scripting an impressive defence exports success story and marching ahead towards becoming a global manufacturing hub for defence equipment.In a post on X, the minister said, “This big jump of Rs 14,802 crore in defence exports reflects the growing global trust in India’s indigenous capabilities and advanced manufacturing strength. With defence PSUs contributing 54.84 per cent and private industry 45.16 per cent, this milestone showcases the power of a collaborative and self-reliant defence ecosystem.”Major weapon systems that India exported included high-value missile systems (including BrahMos cruise missiles), artillery systems, radars and sophisticated electronic warfare systems, armoured vehicles, Dornier-228 aircraft, specialised boats and ocean-going platforms, mine-protected vehicles and protective gear like body armour and bulletproof jackets. Apart from being a successful global partner for systems or subsystems, India is exporting defence equipment to over 80 countries as of FY 2025-26. The number of exporters underwent a surge to 145 from 128, a 13.3 per cent rise from the previous fiscal.While the US, France and Armenia are the top export destinations, the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Israel, Germany, Belgium and various African nations are key partners buying Indian armaments.Defence PSUs’ exports surged by 151 per cent compared to the previous year, with private firms showcasing their robust presence by recording an increase of 14 per cent. In terms of value of contribution, the private sector accounted for Rs 17,353 crore worth of defence exports, while defence PSUs contributed Rs 21,071 crore. Their respective figures in the previous financial year stood at Rs 15,233 crore and Rs 8,389 crore. With an increase of around three times in the last five years, this sharp rise highlights the increasing global acceptance of Indian made defence products
