India’s journey in defence production is truly remarkable. With the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" and "Make in India" initiatives, the country has achieved a record of ₹1.27 lakh crore in defence production for the 2023-24 financial year. This is a massive jump of 174% from ₹46,429 crore in 2014-15.
A recent report from the Ministry of Defence highlights how India’s self-sufficiency in defence equipment has drastically changed. The reliance on foreign imports, which used to range between 65% and 70%, has significantly decreased. Now, many components are manufactured within the country, marking a major step towards becoming a self-reliant defence powerhouse.
This shift has not only bolstered India’s military capabilities but also contributed to economic growth. Recent approvals by the Cabinet Committee on Security, for example, include the procurement of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). This deal covers 307 artillery units and 327 vehicles, costing around ₹7,000 crore. Developed by DRDO and Tata Advanced Systems, the ATAGS promises advanced firepower with a range exceeding 40 kilometers.
The scope of India’s defence manufacturing has evolved into a global player, producing advanced military platforms like the Dhanush artillery gun, Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas), and advanced naval assets, among others.
A few statistics illustrate the rapid growth in defence exports: from ₹686 crore in FY 2013-14 to an impressive ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24—marking an astonishing increase. In just the past decade, defence exports have grown twenty-one times, with India now supplying various equipment to over 100 countries, including top nations like the USA and France. The goal is to achieve ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.
To boost innovation, the "Innovations for Defence Excellence" (iDEX) was introduced in April 2018. This program supports startups and individual innovators, promising funding for the development of transformative technologies in defence. As of early 2025, iDEX has opened numerous opportunities for collaborations between the military and emerging tech firms, emphasizing the need for a robust defence ecosystem.
A key initiative, "Self-Reliant Initiatives through Joint Action" (SRIJAN), helps to indigenize defence items. More than 38,000 items are now listed for domestic production, with over 14,000 successfully indigenized. This initiative aims to streamline the manufacturing process and reduce dependency on external suppliers.
Two Defence Industrial Corridors have also been established in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to further enhance defence manufacturing. Investments exceeding ₹8,658 crore have been made, indicating strong growth potential in these sectors.
Moreover, efforts to improve the ease of doing business in defence manufacturing are ongoing. Recent policy changes, such as extending license validity and simplifying export processes, encourage local firms to thrive in this domain.
In conclusion, India’s transformation in defence production showcases a solid commitment to self-reliance and innovation. The combination of strategic policies and indigenous development positions India not only as a self-sufficient nation but also as a reputable player on the global stage. The future looks bright, with ambitious goals set for 2029, aiming to reinforce India’s status as a leading partner in international defence while boosting national security and economic growth.
For more insights on India’s defence initiatives and statistics, check out the latest report from the Ministry of Defence.
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Source linkAtmanirbhar Bharat, India’s Defence production, ATAGS, iDEX, SRIJAN, EoDB
