India’s Defence Exports Hit Record ₹38,424 Crore in FY26, Driven by Missiles, Artillery and Global Demand
Summary
India’s defence exports reached a record ₹38,424 crore in FY2025–26, a 62.66% increase on the previous year (₹23,622 crore). Public sector Defence PSUs led the surge, exporting ₹21,071 crore (up 151% year‑on‑year), while private industry supplied ₹17,353 crore — about 45% of total exports — growing a steadier 14%.
The export mix is shifting from low‑value items to high‑value platforms and systems. Major shipments included missile systems (BrahMos, Akash), artillery and rocket systems (Pinaka, ATAGS), radar and electronic‑warfare kit (Swathi etc.), aircraft and naval platforms (Dornier 228, specialised vessels, lightweight torpedoes), plus drones, munitions, small arms and protective equipment. Indian products reached more than 80 countries; the roster of registered defence exporters rose 13.3% to 145.
Over five years, defence export values have nearly tripled, reflecting rising global demand, strategic realignments and greater trust in Indian manufacturing and supply‑chain integration.
Key Points
- Record exports: ₹38,424 crore in FY26 — a 62.66% jump from FY25.
- DPSUs drove the gain with ₹21,071 crore (151% YoY increase); private sector contributed ₹17,353 crore (45% share).
- Export basket broadened to include high‑value systems: BrahMos and Akash missiles, Pinaka rockets, ATAGS howitzers, Swathi radar and electronic‑warfare systems.
- Aviation and naval exports featured Dornier 228 aircraft, specialised vessels and lightweight torpedoes.
- Wider product range also covered drones, small arms, ammunition, body armour and other personal protection equipment.
- Indian defence goods were exported to over 80 countries; registered exporters climbed to 145 (up 13.3%).
- Five‑year trend: exports have almost tripled in value, signalling deeper integration into global defence supply chains.
Author style
Punchy — this is one of those headlines you don’t want to skim past. The numbers are big, the product mix has evolved, and the geopolitical consequences matter. Read the details if you track defence industry trends, exporters, or strategic trade flows.
Why should I read this?
Quick and real — India just posted a big leap in defence sales abroad. If you care about defence industry growth, export opportunities, supply‑chain shifts or where buyers are turning for kit, this saves you the time of digging through dry reports. It shows who’s winning (DPSUs + a rising private sector), what they’re selling (missiles, artillery, radars, drones) and where it’s going (80+ countries). Handy if you work in defence, trade, investment or policy.
Context and relevance
This result matters because it showcases India moving from basic supplies to complex systems — a step change for Make‑in‑India defence ambitions. The rise in high‑value exports (missiles, artillery, radar, naval and aviation kit) indicates growing technical maturity and export credibility. Geopolitical realignments and demand for diversified suppliers have helped India access new markets; the trend also strengthens domestic supply chains and creates export‑led opportunities for private firms and PSUs alike.