India’s Defence Production Reaches Record ₹1.78 Lakh Crore as Indigenous Military Capabilities Expand

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the progress on Tuesday by resharing a MyGovIndia post that showcased a range of indigenous weapons platforms, strategic systems, and military technologies developed or inducted into service over the past decade.

The Ministry of Defence announced that defence production increased by 15.6 percent from ₹1.54 lakh crore in FY 2024-25. The figure has more than doubled from ₹84,643 crore recorded in FY 2020-21 and nearly quadrupled from ₹43,746 crore in FY 2013-14, reflecting the government’s sustained efforts to build a self-reliant defence manufacturing ecosystem.

In its post, MyGovIndia stated that nations investing early in capability, technology, and resilience are best positioned for the future. The platform highlighted India’s progress across air, land, and naval domains, emphasizing advancements in indigenous technologies and strategic capabilities.

One of the most prominent examples of this transformation is the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas programme. Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Tejas demonstrated India’s ability to design, develop, and manufacture a modern combat aircraft. The Indian Air Force is already operating Tejas Mk-1 fighters and preparing for the large-scale induction of Tejas Mk-1A aircraft. The programme has also laid the foundation for future projects, including the Tejas Mk-2 and the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which are expected to further strengthen domestic aerospace capabilities.

India’s indigenous air defence network has also been strengthened through the Akash surface-to-air missile system. MyGovIndia described Akash as a key pillar of the country’s air defence architecture. The system is operational with the armed forces and has attracted international interest. The next-generation Akash-NG offers faster reaction times, improved target tracking, and enhanced interception capabilities, reinforcing India’s layered defence against aircraft, drones, and cruise missile threats.

The Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system has emerged as a major force multiplier for the Indian Army. Designed to provide rapid and high-volume battlefield fire support, the system has evolved through multiple variants featuring increased range and greater accuracy. MyGovIndia noted that Pinaka’s mobility, precision, and indigenous design have transformed India’s artillery capabilities, making it a critical component of modern battlefield operations. The platform is also increasingly replacing imported artillery rockets and attracting export interest.

India’s strategic deterrence capability has been significantly enhanced through the development of the Agni-V ballistic missile. The long-range missile represents a major advancement in strategic defence. MyGovIndia also highlighted India’s successful hypersonic missile technology test, describing it as a landmark achievement that places the country among a select group of nations advancing next-generation warfare technologies. The breakthrough is expected to support future long-range precision-strike weapons.

A major milestone in India’s nuclear deterrence posture came with the induction of INS Arihant, the country’s first indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. The vessel completed India’s nuclear triad by adding a credible sea-based deterrent alongside land-based and air-based nuclear capabilities. According to MyGovIndia, the induction significantly strengthened the nation’s second-strike capability, enhanced strategic stability, and reinforced its long-term security framework.

India’s naval capabilities received another boost with the commissioning of INS Vikrant, the country’s first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier. Serving as both a strategic asset and a symbol of technological achievement, the vessel has placed India among a select group of nations capable of designing and constructing aircraft carriers. MyGovIndia described INS Vikrant as a reflection of the rapid growth of India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.

The country’s maritime modernization has further accelerated through indigenous warship programmes, including the Project 17A Nilgiri-class stealth frigates and Project 15B Visakhapatnam-class destroyers. The Nilgiri-class frigates are designed for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare missions. MyGovIndia stated that these advanced platforms, along with Kalvari-class submarines, have strengthened maritime security, air defence, anti-submarine warfare, and underwater combat capabilities across strategically important waters.

India’s missile development programme has expanded into a broad ecosystem of advanced weapons systems. MyGovIndia highlighted the achievements of platforms such as BrahMos, Astra, and Rudram, noting that these systems have strengthened strike capabilities, beyond-visual-range engagement capacity, and anti-radar operations. The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, jointly developed with Russia, remains one of India’s most successful defence exports and operational strike systems.

The C-295 transport aircraft programme represents another significant development in India’s defence manufacturing landscape. Produced through a partnership between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems, the project is establishing India’s first private-sector military aircraft production line. MyGovIndia stated that the programme not only enhances tactical airlift capabilities but also strengthens domestic manufacturing, expands private-sector participation, and develops indigenous aviation expertise.

The record production figures have been accompanied by growing participation from both public and private sectors. Government data shows that defence public sector undertakings and public sector units contributed approximately 76 percent of total production in FY 2025-26. Private sector participation reached a record 24 percent, contributing nearly ₹42,000 crore.

India also achieved a record level of defence exports during the fiscal year, with overseas shipments reaching ₹38,424 crore. The growing export footprint reflects increasing international confidence in Indian-made defence equipment and technologies.

The combined success of platforms such as Tejas, Akash, Pinaka, Agni-V, INS Arihant, INS Vikrant, BrahMos, and the C-295 programme highlights the scale of India’s transformation from a predominantly import-dependent military power into a nation increasingly capable of designing, manufacturing, and exporting advanced defence systems across air, land, and sea domains. The record production and export figures signal a new phase in the country’s strategic and industrial evolution, strengthening both national security and global defence competitiveness.