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 from ₹23,622 crore the year before. Growth was led by major missile and artillery sales and stronger global demand for complex systems made in India. Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) accounted for ₹21,071 crore of exports (up 151% year-on-year), while the private sector contributed ₹17,353 crore (about 45% of the total) with a steadier 14% rise.
The export mix is shifting toward higher-value platforms and systems: supersonic and air-defence missiles (BrahMos, Akash), rocket and artillery systems (Pinaka, ATAGS), radar and electronic-warfare equipment (Swathi WLR and others), plus aircraft, naval platforms, torpedoes, munitions, small arms, UAVs, armoured vehicles and personal protection gear. Indian products were shipped to over 80 countries and the number of registered defence exporters climbed to 145 (a 13.3% increase).
Key Points
- Total defence exports: ₹38,424 crore in FY26 — a 62.66% YoY jump from ₹23,622 crore.
- DPSUs drove much of the surge: ₹21,071 crore (151% YoY increase).
- Private sector supplied high-value items such as armoured vehicles, small arms, UAVs and protective equipment (₹17,353 crore; ~45% of total).
- Major exported systems: BrahMos, Akash, Pinaka, ATAGS, Swathi weapon-locating radar, electronic-warfare gear, Dornier 228, naval vessels and lightweight torpedoes.
- Export reach expanded to 80+ countries; key markets include the US, France, Armenia, Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Israel, Germany, Belgium and multiple African nations.
- Registered defence exporters rose 13.3% to 145, and India’s defence export value has nearly tripled in five years.
Context and relevance
This milestone highlights India’s transition from low-value supply to exporting complex, indigenous defence platforms. It reflects geopolitical shifts, growing global trust in Indian military products and deeper integration of Indian firms into global defence supply chains. For defence manufacturers, logistics providers and trade policy makers, the story signals expanding export opportunities — but also increased scrutiny around export controls, end-use monitoring and international partnerships.
Why should I read this?
Because it’s proof India isn’t just tinkering at the edges any more — it’s selling missiles, radars and guns to the world. If you care about defence manufacturing, exports, supply chains or geopolitical trade shifts, this is the quick snapshot that tells you where the money and momentum are headed. Worth your two-minute skim.
Author style
Punchy: this isn’t a gentle uptick — it’s a step-change. The numbers matter: big YoY gains, major systems on the move, and a rapidly expanding buyer list. Read the detail if you work in defence industry strategy, export compliance or logistics — it’ll save you time and point to where the action is.