The former defense equipment-dependent nation has become a global force by achieving defense product exports worth thousands of crores. Sounds like a plot twist? The defense exports of India are making global headlines in 2025.

The Indian defense manufacturing sector made a dramatic turnaround during the past few years by proving to the world that it operates as both a user and strong competitor in international defense markets. The defense export figures for FY 2024–25 demonstrate India's strongest performance to date.

India’s Defense Exports Hit a Record High

The Defense export figures for FY 2024–25 reached ₹23622  crore which constitutes a 12.4% increase from the previous year. Defense exports from India during FY 2023–25 was ₹21,083 crores. That’s not just growth. That’s a statement.

India Defense exports under Ministry of Defense supervision hit their highest point ever as announced by this department. Numbers represent more than statistics since they demonstrate credibility and capability as well as self-reliance and commitment.

From Buyer to Seller: The Strategic Shift

So, how did India make this impressive leap?

India held the title of global largest arms importer ten years ago. The increasing defense requirements of the country revealed a critical weakness because India lacked its own domestic manufacturing facilities. The government made its decision to put an end to such practices. The government implemented the Make in India initiative which selected defense as one of its primary sectors.

Defense exports from India have experienced exponential growth through policy transformations and private sector contributions as well as export-friendly policies and strategic partnership development.

Who’s Buying Indian Defense Equipment?

The market demands clarification about the actual entities purchasing defense equipment from India.

Official statistics for India defence exports indicate that defense products from India are currently used by more than 85 nations across the world. The market demand for India-made military systems together with radars and helicopters as well as coastal surveillance systems and bulletproof jackets continues to expand across Southeast Asia Africa and Latin America.

Defense equipment from India is acquired by friendly nations together with emerging Defense partners. Defense technology serves as the foundation for diplomatic activities between nations.

What’s Being Exported?

India isn’t just exporting ammunition or spare parts. The product list is surprisingly diverse and sophisticated. Here’s a quick look at what makes up India’s defence exports:

• Missile systems like the Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM)
• Advanced radars and surveillance systems
• Light Combat Helicopters (LCH)
• Naval vessels like offshore patrol vessels and interceptor boats
• Armored vehicles and bulletproof gear
• Drones and UAVs
• Electronic warfare and communication systems
   

These aren’t basic tools — these are high-tech, mission-critical systems trusted by multiple armed forces around the world.

The Powerhouses Behind the Surge

Who’s building all this?

India's defense production is not just confined to public sector entities such as HAL and BEL anymore. Indeed, more than 100 private sector firms are now engaged in India's defense exports.

Notable players include:

• Tata Advanced Systems
• L&T Defense
• Bharat Forge
• Adani Defense
• Mahindra Defense

These businesses are innovating at a global level and working hand-in-hand with DRDO and global partners to develop next-gen defense technology.

Key Policies Driving Growth In India defence exports

One big reason responsible for the growth in India defence exports is policy clarity and support of the government. Some of the game-changers are:

• Defense Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020: Aimed at creating a global defense manufacturing hub in India.
• Simplified Export Procedures: Faster clearances and easier documentation through the online SRIJAN portal.
• Liberalized FDI: Up to 74% FDI allowed via automatic route in defense manufacturing.
• Positive Indigenization Lists: Banning imports of certain items to encourage local production.

These measures have led to a significant increase in the export volume but at the same time have attracted huge amounts of investments and created several thousand skilled jobs.

Key Highlight for India Defence Exports 2025

India's defence exports have seen significant growth in recent years, reflecting the country's expanding role in the global defence market. Here are the key highlights:​

• Financial Year 2024-25 Performance: India achieved defence exports totaling ₹23,622 crore, marking a 12.04% increase from the previous year. This growth is attributed to increased sales of artillery shells, guns, and small arms.

• Sector Contributions: The private sector contributed ₹15,233 crore, while Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) contributed ₹8,389 crore. Notably, DPSUs experienced a 42.85% increase in their exports.

• Export Authorisations: The Department of Defence Production issued 1,762 export authorisations in FY 2024-25, up from 1,507 the previous year, indicating a more streamlined process for exporters.

• International Reach: India exported defence products to approximately 80 countries during FY 2024-25, with the US, Israel, and Germany emerging as the largest importers.

• Future Targets: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has set ambitious targets for the future, aiming for defence exports to exceed ₹30,000 crore in FY 2025-26 and reaching ₹50,000 crore by 2029.

• Impact of Global Conflicts: Ongoing global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict, have accelerated demand for defence products, providing opportunities for Indian manufacturers.

• Self-Reliance in Defence Manufacturing: India's defence strategy has shifted towards indigenous production, supported by government initiatives aimed at encouraging a robust domestic defence industry.

These developments underscore India's commitment to enhancing its defence manufacturing capabilities and expanding its footprint in the global defence market.

Why the World is Looking at India Now

As the international setting is particularly unstable, states are searching for alternative suppliers in the area of military equipment. Most of them are hailing India as the prime spot of such a shift because:

• Financially Lucrative Deals: Indian products may be less expensive than their counterparts, but they are also quality products.
• Adaptation: Indian companies are particularly agile and can offer products that meet the specific needs of the clients.
• Training & Support: India provides not only effective after-sales service but also sturdy training and support systems.
• Strategic Non-Alignment: India is the supplier of a non-aligned, neutral, and peace-loving country that also has the characteristics of a strong democracy.

This combination is tough to beat.

What's Next? The Road Ahead

If 2024–25 was record-breaking, what does the future hold for defence exports from India?

The government has set a target of achieving defence manufacturing worth Rs. 3,00,000 lakh crore (US$ 34.7 billion), by FY29. The current wave of progress will most likely make this figure plausible. DRDO also is promoting the licensing of more technologies to the private sector so that the increase in scale and innovation can be achieved more easily.

At the same time, the new defense corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are anticipated to grow into global production centers and soon they will be 'exporters' to the world market as well.

Final Thoughts: The Bigger Picture for India defence exports

The achievements of defence exports by India are not only the count of sold goods or market share. It is the indication of one major change on the ideological level. The change is the shift of reliance from being dependent on others to being self-reliant and from a reaction to becoming active on the global platform.

The export of Indian-made defense products illustrates how a mix of policy implementation, innovation, and sheer determination can transform a country from a defense equipment buyer into a defense article manufacturer.

By considering the future, India, the need to go after others in the defense arena is very far behind. Now, this is about guiding the whole industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the main branches of India’s Defence Services?

India's Defence Services consist of three primary branches:

Indian Army – responsible for land-based operations

Indian Navy – manages maritime security and naval operations

Indian Air Force – handles aerial warfare and air defence

2. What is the role of the Defence Services in India?

The primary role of the Indian Defence Services is to safeguard the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also assist during natural disasters, maintain internal security when required, and participate in UN peacekeeping missions.

3. How can one join the Indian Defence Services?

Individuals can join through competitive exams like:

• NDA (National Defence Academy) – for 10+2 students
• CDS (Combined Defence Services) – for graduates
• AFCAT – for Indian Air Force
• INET – for Indian Navy

There are also entries through technical, medical, and short service commissions.

4. What is the current strength of India’s Defence Forces?

As of recent estimates, India’s armed forces comprise over 1.4 million active personnel, making it one of the largest military forces in the world.

5. What is the defence budget of India?

For FY 2024-25, India allocated over ₹6.21 lakh crore (~$74 billion) to defence, reflecting the country’s focus on modernization, border security, and indigenous defence production.

Q6. How is India boosting its defence capabilities?

India is focusing on:

• Indigenization through ‘Make in India’
• Advanced weapons and tech procurement
• Private sector involvement
• Strategic partnerships and defence exports