India’s Defence Exports Hit Record ₹38,424 Crore in FY26, Driven by Missiles, Artillery and Global Demand
Summary
India’s defence exports climbed to a record ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025–26, up 62.66% from ₹23,622 crore the previous year. The surge was led by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), which contributed ₹21,071 crore (a 151% year‑on‑year rise), while private industry supplied ₹17,353 crore (around 45% of total exports), growing 14% year‑on‑year. Exports diversified into high‑value systems — missiles (BrahMos, Akash), artillery (ATAGS, Pinaka), radars (Swathi), electronic warfare, aircraft, naval platforms and lightweight torpedoes — plus munitions, small arms, drones and protective equipment.
Indian defence products reached buyers in over 80 countries. The number of registered defence exporters rose 13.3% to 145. Key markets included the United States, France, Armenia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Israel, Germany, Belgium and several African nations. Exports have nearly tripled in five years, reflecting shifting geopolitics and growing confidence in India’s manufacturing capabilities.
Key Points
- Record defence exports of ₹38,424 crore in FY26 — a 62.66% increase over FY25.
- DPSUs led the jump with ₹21,071 crore (151% YoY growth); private sector contributed ₹17,353 crore (45% of total, +14% YoY).
- Export mix moved up the value chain: BrahMos and Akash missiles, Pinaka and ATAGS artillery systems, Swathi radar and electronic warfare equipment.
- Aviation and naval items exported included Dornier 228 aircraft, specialised vessels and lightweight torpedoes; also strong shipment of munitions, drones, small arms and body armour.
- Indian defence goods reached more than 80 countries; number of registered exporters increased to 145 (+13.3%).
- Exports have nearly tripled over five years — signalling deeper integration into global defence supply chains and stronger trust in ‘Make in India’ suppliers.
Context and relevance
This milestone matters because it marks a qualitative shift: India is no longer just exporting basic stores and spares but complex, high‑value platforms and systems. For readers tracking defence industry trends, procurement, supply‑chain opportunities or policy, the figures show increasing global acceptance of Indian systems and a growing export pipeline for both public and private suppliers. Geopolitical realignments and demand for diversified suppliers are accelerating opportunities for Indian defence manufacturers.
Why should I read this?
Short version: big numbers, big shift. If you care about defence manufacturing, export markets or supply‑chain chances in India, this is gold — the story explains who’s selling what, where it’s going, and why India’s suddenly a go‑to supplier for several countries. Saves you time — we read the detail, you get the highlights.
Author style
Punchy: this isn’t incremental growth — it’s a breakout year. The DPSU surge and private sector breadth together signal both capacity and commercial traction. If you want to understand where contracts, partnerships and logistics flows will pop next, dig into the detailed list of systems and markets in the full piece.