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, up 62.66% from ₹23,622 crore the previous year. The surge reflects stronger global demand and growing acceptance of Indian-made systems, with both Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private industry contributing significantly.
DPSUs accounted for ₹21,071 crore of exports (a 151% year-on-year rise) while the private sector contributed ₹17,353 crore (about 45% of the total), growing at a steadier pace. Exports spanned missiles (BrahMos, Akash), artillery and rocket systems (Pinaka, ATAGS), radars (Swathi), electronic warfare gear, aviation and naval platforms (Dornier 228, specialised vessels, lightweight torpedoes), drones, small arms, munitions and personal protection equipment.
Key Points
- Total defence exports: ₹38,424 crore in FY26 — a 62.66% increase year-on-year from ₹23,622 crore.
- DPSUs drove a large portion of the growth: ₹21,071 crore exported, up 151% YoY.
- Private sector exports reached ₹17,353 crore (≈45% of total), up about 14% YoY and strong in vehicles, small arms, UAVs and protection gear.
- High-value systems dominated: missiles (BrahMos, Akash), artillery/rockets (Pinaka, ATAGS), radars (Swathi) and electronic warfare equipment.
- Broader basket included aircraft (Dornier 228), naval vessels and torpedoes, plus munitions, ammunition, drones and body armour.
- Indian defence exports reached over 80 countries; registered exporters rose 13.3% to 145 entities.
- Key markets: United States (notably sub-systems/components), France, Armenia, Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Israel, Germany, Belgium and several African nations.
- Over five years, defence export value has nearly tripled, signalling deeper global integration and trust in Indian manufacturing.
Context and relevance
This milestone sits at the intersection of geopolitics and industrial policy. Rising global demand for diversified suppliers, India’s push for Make in India in defence, and maturing private/public capabilities have combined to amplify exports. For supply‑chain, aerospace and defence businesses, the data highlight growing opportunities for component suppliers, logistics providers and service partners in global markets.
Author style
Punchy: This isn’t just another trade stat — it’s proof India is moving from low‑value kit to complex weapon systems that the world will buy. If you work in defence manufacturing, exports, or logistics, the detail matters: contracts, supply chains and partnerships will follow this momentum.
Why should I read this
Short version — because it’s big. India just smashed its defence export record thanks to missiles, artillery and sharper manufacturing chops. If you’re in defence, trade, logistics or supply chains, this affects new customers, new routes and a pile of export paperwork you might need to get familiar with. We read the full thing so you don’t have to — here’s the useful bit.