India has reached a significant milestone in its journey toward self-reliance in defence production, with 65 percent of its defence equipment now being manufactured domestically. This shift marks a major transformation from the earlier dependence on imports, which once accounted for nearly 65–70 percent of the country’s defence needs.
According to a fact sheet released by the Ministry of Defence, India's defence production has witnessed unprecedented growth under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. In the financial year 2023–24, the total value of defence manufacturing reached a record Rs. 1.27 lakh crore. As per agency report, the fact sheet, shared on March 24, highlighted that India is now not only meeting its internal security demands but also emerging as a key player in the global defence manufacturing landscape.
Among the major defence items exported from India are bulletproof jackets, Dornier (DO-228) aircraft, Chetak helicopters, fast interceptor boats, and lightweight torpedoes. Notably, the document pointed out that boots manufactured in Bihar are now being used by the Russian military, showcasing the high standards of Indian manufacturing.
The ministry emphasized that the transformation from a country once reliant on foreign suppliers to one shaping its military capabilities through indigenous means reflects a strong commitment to self-reliance. This not only secures national defence requirements but also contributes to broader economic growth by fostering a robust defence industrial base.
India has set a target of achieving Rs. 3 lakh crore in defence production by 2029, further strengthening its position as a global defence manufacturing hub. This growth is being propelled by advancements in indigenous platforms such as the Dhanush artillery system, the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), the Arjun main battle tank, the Tejas light combat aircraft, state-of-the-art light helicopters, the Akash missile system, and radar systems for weapon tracking. In addition, naval assets like indigenous destroyers, aircraft carriers, submarines, and offshore patrol vessels are also being developed.
To attract foreign investment, the government liberalized the foreign direct investment (FDI) policy in the defence sector in September 2020, allowing up to 74 percent FDI through the automatic route and beyond that through the government route. Since April 2000, the total FDI inflow into defence industries has reached Rs. 5,516.16 crore.
The Ministry of Defence credited strategic policies under the ‘Make in India’ drive for accelerating growth by encouraging private sector involvement, technological innovation, and the development of advanced military platforms. The steady increase in the defence budget from Rs. 2.53 lakh crore in 2013–14 to an estimated Rs. 6.81 lakh crore in 2025–26 underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its military infrastructure.
This commitment to modernization and self-reliance was recently demonstrated by the Cabinet Committee on Security’s approval for the procurement of the advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), aimed at enhancing the Indian Army’s firepower.
With domestically built warships, fighter aircraft, artillery systems, and cutting-edge weapons, India has now positioned itself as a prominent contributor to the global defence manufacturing landscape, reflecting a clear shift toward long-term strategic autonomy in the defence sector.
