Stories
India Transforms: From Arms Importer to Global Supplier in a Decade
- •India's defence exports surged from Rs 1,521 crore in 2016-17 to Rs 38,424 crore by 2025-26, a 62.66% increase in one year.
- •The 'Make in India' initiative and self-reliance policies are credited for this growth, with 834 industrial licenses for defence manufacturing issued by March 2026, up from 258 in 2015-16.
- •Despite export growth, India remains a major arms importer, ranking second globally, though its supplier base has diversified with Russia's share decreasing.
- •Private firms contribute significantly to exports, especially components, while public sector undertakings saw a 151% growth last year, indicating larger system deliveries.
- •Key buyers include the United States, France, and Armenia, with countries like the Philippines and Indonesia purchasing BrahMos missiles, showcasing growing international trust in Indian defence products.
Key Questions Answered
India's defence exports surged from Rs 1,521 crore in 2016-17 to Rs 38,424 crore by 2025-26, marking a 62.66 per cent increase in a single year and roughly tripling over five years according to Ministry of Defence figures.
The United States, France, and Armenia have emerged as some of India's principal defence customers. Armenia has acquired Pinaka rocket launchers and Akash air defence missiles, while the Philippines and Indonesia have signed contracts for the BrahMos missile.
SIPRI data for 2021-25 places India second only to Ukraine among major weapons importers, with big-ticket items like fighter jets, engines, and long-range air defence systems still coming from abroad. While Russia accounted for 70 per cent of India's major arms imports in 2011-15, its share has decreased to 40 per cent, with France and Israel covering much of the difference.
