Defence Exports

For decades India bought most of its major weapons abroad — it remains one of the world's largest arms importers. Since 2014, a self-reliance drive under Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat has reshaped the sector: defence exports climbed from about ₹686 crore in 2013-14 to ₹23,622 crore in 2024-25 and then a record ₹38,424 crore in 2025-26 — a 63% jump and over a 50-fold rise in a decade — reaching 80–100+ countries.

The top three destinations are the USA, France and Armenia. The USA and France mostly buy components, electronics and software, while Armenia is the biggest buyer of finished Indian weapons — the Akash air-defence system, Pinaka rocket launchers and ATAGS howitzers under a partnership worth around $2 billion. The Philippines bought the BrahMos anti-ship missile (a $375-million deal in 2022, delivered from 2024), Indonesia signed its own BrahMos deal, and France is even in talks to buy Pinaka — a striking reversal of the old supplier–recipient relationship. Warships make up over half of all exports, alongside missiles, artillery, Dornier aircraft, radars and torpedoes.

India sells defence gear through both its state undertakings and, increasingly, private firms, backed by a streamlined online export-clearance system that cut the old red tape. The range runs from simple items (bulletproof jackets, ammunition, parts) to complete platforms — Dornier aircraft, Akash and Pinaka systems, and the star product, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, jointly built with Russia and now exported.

This is fast growth from a low base: exports leapt from under ₹1,000 crore in 2014 to a record ₹38,424 crore in 2025-26 (up 63% in a year), reaching over 100 countries — and private firms now supply nearly half. The target is ₹50,000 crore by 2029. Sustaining it means climbing into higher-value systems (missiles, radars, aircraft) and winning big government-to-government deals, not just component sales.

This is fast growth from a low base — India still imports much high-end technology, so the next step is scaling indigenous R&D (jet engines, advanced sensors) to keep exports climbing steadily.

₹686 → ₹38,424 crore defence exports (2014→FY26), a record 63% jump. Top buyers USA, France, Armenia; 80–100+ countries served. Key deals: BrahMos to Philippines & Indonesia; Akash / Pinaka / ATAGS to Armenia. ₹50,000 crore export target by 2029. Sources: Ministry of Defence, PIB.