India’s defence exports surge 62% to record Rs 38,424 crore in FY26: Centre
Defence Ministry credits policy push, regulatory reforms for accelerating India’s rise as a key global defence export partner
Pralay, short range tactical missile in show at Republic Day parade, 2025 (Photo: @idrwalerts / X)
New Delhi, Apr 2: India's annual defence exports touched an all-time high of Rs 38,424 crore in the financial year 2025-26, marking more than 62% growth over the previous fiscal year, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday.
The "big jump" in the defence exports reflected the growing "global trust" in India's indigenous defence capabilities, Singh said in a social media post, adding that the country is "scripting an impressive defence exports success story".
"India defence exports have touched a new all-time high with a record Rs 38,424 crore in FY 2025-26. It marks a robust 62.66% growth over the previous fiscal," the Defence Minister said.
"This big jump of Rs 14,802 crore in defence exports reflects the growing global trust in India's indigenous capabilities and advanced manufacturing strength," he said.
With Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) contributing 54.84% and private industry 45.16% this milestone showcases the power of a collaborative and self-reliant defence ecosystem, he said.
India's defence exports in 2024-25 were Rs 23,622 crore in 2024-25. It was Rs 21,083 crore in 2023-24.
The Defence Ministry described defence exports in 2025-26 as a "landmark milestone".
"Apart from being a successful global partner for systems/sub-systems, India is exporting defence equipment to more than 80 countries as of FY 2025-26. The number of exporters underwent a surge to 145 from 128, a 13.3 per cent rise from the previous fiscal," it said.
This record high figure indicates an increase by around three times in the last five years, it said.
The Ministry said the government's "continuous endeavours towards ease of doing business and facilitation of defence exporters have paved the way for a performance oriented and globally competitive defence industry".
"To support defence exporters in this growth trajectory, the Department of Defence Production has streamlined defence export regulatory processes with a revamped online portal and simplified standard operation procedure for authorisations," it said.
PTI