India’s defence sector has quietly crossed a strategic milestone. Long dependent on foreign suppliers for military hardware, the country is now carving out a distinct space in the global arms market, exporting missiles, artillery, air defence systems, radar equipment and advanced electronics to more than 100 countries. In 2024–25, India’s defence exports rose to a record ₹23,240 crore, marking a 12% year-on-year increase and a staggering 34-fold jump from levels seen a decade ago.
While the headline number may still appear modest when compared with traditional global defence giants, the trajectory tells a far more consequential story. India is no longer just an alternative supplier; it is increasingly being viewed as a cost-effective, dependable and fast-delivery option, particularly by countries unable to afford high-priced European or American systems.
Domestic defence manufacturing has expanded in parallel. Indigenous production has climbed to nearly ₹1.49 lakh crore, almost doubling in the last five years. From missiles and rocket launchers to naval platforms, electronic warfare systems and advanced radar, Indian factories are now delivering across a wide spectrum of military requirements. Small arms, ammunition and components continue to form a significant share of exports, but the composition is steadily shifting towards more complex and higher-value platforms.
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One of India’s biggest advantages lies in pricing. Artillery shells of the 155-mm category are being supplied by Indian manufacturers at roughly ₹25,000–33,000 per unit, compared with prices touching ₹2.5 lakh in Europe. Howitzer guns exported from India have reportedly cost nearly half of comparable Western systems. This sharp pricing edge has positioned India as an “affordable arms supplier” at a time when global demand for weapons has surged amid prolonged geopolitical tensions.
Recent battlefield use has also played a crucial role in boosting India’s credibility. Weapons and systems deployed during a major regional military confrontation last year demonstrated precision, mobility and operational reliability under combat conditions. These real-world performances have since become powerful marketing tools, drawing interest from multiple foreign buyers across Asia, Africa and parts of Europe.
India’s missile systems, including supersonic cruise missiles and mobile air defence platforms integrated with artificial intelligence, have attracted particular attention. Several countries have reportedly initiated talks or expressed formal interest following demonstrations of their effectiveness. The defence export basket now includes missiles, drones, surveillance equipment, naval platforms and advanced command-and-control systems.
Policy changes over the past decade have underpinned this transformation. Streamlined export approvals, greater private-sector participation, long-term procurement visibility and a sustained push for indigenisation have collectively strengthened the defence industrial base. India’s defence budget has also expanded significantly, crossing ₹6.47 lakh crore, providing scale, predictability and financial stability to domestic manufacturers.
At the same time, India has been steadily reducing its dependence on traditional suppliers while diversifying technology partnerships. Collaborations with firms from the United States, France and Israel, alongside home-grown innovation, have helped bridge capability gaps and accelerate product development. The drone sector, in particular, is emerging as a high-growth segment, with the domestic market projected to touch ₹91,300 crore by 2030.
Geopolitically, India’s rise as a defence exporter carries wider implications. With China aggressively supplying weapons to several countries in South Asia and beyond, India is positioning itself as a counterweight — offering competitive pricing, credible technology and fewer political conditions than many established arms exporters.
The government’s stated objective is to raise defence exports to ₹49,800 crore by 2029, a target that appears increasingly achievable given current momentum. If sustained, the transformation could reshape India’s strategic standing, turning it from a buyer dependent on global supply chains into a key contributor to international defence security.
What was once an aspiration is now fast becoming reality: India is no longer merely protecting itself with indigenous strength — it is exporting that strength to the world.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
