India has made remarkable strides in defence manufacturing, with 65% of its defence equipment now produced domestically.
This marks a "significant shift" from the country's previous reliance on imports, which ranged between 65-70%, showcasing India's growing self-sufficiency in the sector, the government stated.
India's defense production has grown at an "unprecedented rate" under the 'Make in India' initiative, as per a fact sheet published by the Ministry of Defence on Tuesday, reaching a new high of ₹1.27 lakh crore in 2023-24.
The nation's growing defence export list comprises bulletproof jackets, Dornier (Do-228) aircraft, Chetak helicopters, fast interceptor boats, and lightweight torpedoes. The ministry pointed out that "'Made in Bihar' boots are now part of the Russian Army's gear," emphasizing India's robust manufacturing quality.
"From being reliant on foreign vendors, the nation has emerged as an emerging power in indigenous production, defining its military might through home-grown prowess. This is a testament to a deep resolve towards self-reliance, with India not only fulfilling its security requirements but also developing a strong defence industry that drives economic growth," the ministry said.
The fact sheet dated March 24 quotes, "India targets ₹3 lakh crore in defence production by 2029," reaffirming its plans to become the world's first defense manufacturing nation.
The expansion in this field has been driven by the 'Make in India' program, resulting in the creation of sophisticated military platforms like the Dhanush Artillery Gun System, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System, Main Battle Tank Arjun, Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Advanced Light Helicopter, Akash Missile System, Weapon Locating Radar, and naval assets like destroyers, indigenous aircraft carriers, submarines, and offshore patrol vessels, officials disclosed.
In a significant policy overhaul, the government opened up Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence industry in September 2020. Up to 74% FDI can come in through the automatic route, and investments above this can be made with government approval. Total FDI in defence industries since April 2000 has amounted to ₹5,516.16 crore, officials said.
The ministry attributed quick progress due to strategic policies under the 'Make in India' program to private sector involvement, technological upgradation, and the creation of state-of-the-art defense platforms.
India's defence budget too has witnessed considerable growth, from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to ₹6.81 lakh crore in 2025-26, indicating the government's focus on bolstering military infrastructure.
One of the key deals in the 'Buy Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured' (IDDM) category is the acquisition of 307 155mm/52 caliber guns and 327 High Mobility 6x6 Gun Towing Vehicles for 15 Artillery Regiments for an estimated value of ₹7,000 crore.
DRDO's own Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), which was co-developed with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, is India's leading military technology. It is a state-of-the-art artillery gun system with a firing range of more than 40 km, improved fire control system, precision aiming, automatic loading, and optimized recoil system. The Indian Army has thoroughly tested it on diverse terrain.
"With warships, fighter aircraft, artillery systems, and advanced weapons being manufactured in the country, India is now a major player in the global defence manufacturing industry," the ministry asserted.
India's defence manufacturing system includes 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), more than 430 licensed firms, and around 16,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), substantially enhancing indigenous production capacity, according to the fact sheet.
The private sector also plays a vital role in this growth, accounting for 21% of total defence production, contributing to innovation and operational efficiency, the report noted.
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