India achieved a historic milestone in defence exports in the fiscal year 2025-26. According to the Ministry of Defence, the country’s total defence exports reached ₹38,424 crore, an increase of 62.66 per cent compared to ₹23,622 crore in the previous year (2025). This increase reflects India’s growing global credibility and defence production capabilities. So, let’s find out what India is selling and to whom.
India’s defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) sold goods worth ₹210.71 billion, a 151 per cent increase from ₹83.89 billion last year. Meanwhile, the private sector recorded sales of ₹173.53 billion, accounting for 45.16 per cent of total sales and a 14 per cent increase from ₹152.33 billion last year. DPSUs focused primarily on munitions, fuses, and torpedoes, while private companies contributed to UAVs, small arms, and bulletproof vests.
What is India selling?
India is now exporting not only small arms but also cutting-edge defence systems. India’s exports include complete weapon systems, subsystems, components, and accessories. Major items included high-value missiles such as the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Akash air defence missiles, as well as artillery and rocket launchers such as the Pinaka rocket and ATAGS howitzers. Radars like the Swati and state-of-the-art electronic warfare (EW) systems were also sold. Indian exports also included armoured vehicles and mine-protected vehicles.
In addition, India’s exports included Dornier-228 aircraft, specialised boats, maritime platforms, and lightweight torpedoes. India also sold ammunition, fuses, small arms, and other materials. Drones, aircraft structures, and protective equipment like body armour and bulletproof vests were also supplied. DPSUs focused more on ammunition, fuses, and torpedoes, while private companies supplied armoured vehicles, small arms, bulletproof vests, and UAVs.
Countries Exported to
India exports defence equipment to over 80 countries. The number of registered Indian defence exporters increased by 13.3 per cent to 145. The United States is a major destination, primarily for components such as subsystems and fuselages. France and Armenia are also major buyers. Other major defence trade partners include the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Israel, Germany, Belgium, and various African countries.
Make in India Success
Record-breaking defence exports have proven the growing global demand for Indian products amid geopolitical tensions. This is a strong endorsement of Make in India defence products. The value of Indian defence exports has nearly tripled in the last five years. This growth reflects India’s strong integration into international defence supply chains. India is now emerging as a strong player in the global defence market. Demand for Indian defence products is steadily increasing due to advanced technology, competitive pricing, and reliability.
