India Defence Exports Hit Record Rs 38,424 Crore

India's defence exports reached a record Rs 38,424 crore in the 2025-26 financial year, marking a growth of over 5,500 per cent since 2013-14. Rajnath Singh, the Defence Minister, announced the surge on August 14 during an address to the Armed Forces via Akashvani on the eve of the 80th Independence Day. He attributed the growth to a strategic push for indigenous production and a reduction in import dependence.

Total domestic defence production rose to Rs 1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, up from Rs 46,000 crore in 2014. Public-sector entities contributed 76 per cent of this total, while the private sector provided 24 per cent. The government has established future targets of Rs 3 lakh crore for annual production and Rs 50,000 crore in exports by 2029.

To support these objectives, the Defence Acquisition Council approved projects exceeding Rs 8.75 lakh crore over the last year, including the procurement of 156 LCH Prachand helicopters and 97 Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets. Research and development allocation has been increased to Rs 29,100.25 crore for 2026-27. Additionally, the government doubled grants for education, marriage, and penury under the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund to support soldiers and their families.