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 FY 2025–26, a 62.66% increase from ₹23,622 crore the previous year. The surge reflects rising global demand and growing confidence in Indian-made defence systems.
Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) led the growth with exports of ₹21,071 crore — a 151% year-on-year rise — while private industry contributed ₹17,353 crore (about 45% of the total) with a steadier 14% increase.
The export mix has shifted towards higher-value systems: supersonic and air-defence missiles (BrahMos, Akash), artillery and rocket systems (Pinaka, ATAGS), weapon-locating radars (Swathi), electronic warfare equipment, Dornier 228 aircraft, naval vessels and lightweight torpedoes. The basket also included munitions, small arms, UAVs, armoured vehicles and personal protection gear.
Indian defence products reached more than 80 countries in FY26. The number of registered defence exporters rose 13.3% to 145. Major buyers include the United States (notably for sub-systems), France, Armenia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Israel, Germany, Belgium and several African nations. Over five years exports have nearly tripled, signalling deeper integration into global supply chains.
Key Points
- Record exports of ₹38,424 crore in FY26 — a 62.66% increase year-on-year.
- DPSUs accounted for ₹21,071 crore (up 151% YoY); private sector contributed ₹17,353 crore (+14%).
- Export portfolio is moving to high-value systems: missiles (BrahMos, Akash), artillery (Pinaka, ATAGS) and radars (Swathi).
- Naval and aviation items — including vessels, Dornier 228 and lightweight torpedoes — broadened the export mix.
- India supplied defence items to over 80 countries; registered defence exporters rose to 145 (up 13.3%).
- Key markets include the US, France and several Asian, Middle Eastern and African nations.
- Exports have almost tripled in five years, reflecting shifting geopolitics and rising trust in Indian defence manufacturing.
Why should I read this?
Quick version: India’s defence industry just levelled up. If you work in defence, logistics, exports or supply chains, this is a big deal — new markets, bigger orders and a much fatter product mix. Worth a skim if you want the headlines; worth a deeper read if you need the numbers and who’s selling what.
Author style
Punchy: This isn’t a minor uptick — it’s a material shift. The numbers are headline-worthy and the product mix move into missiles, radars and platforms makes this story important for policymakers, defence suppliers and logistics planners. Read the detail if you need to act on opportunities or risks.
Context and Relevance
The jump in exports comes amid shifting geopolitical alignments and growing global demand for diversified suppliers. For India, it underlines the success of domestic manufacturing pushes and export promotion efforts. For industry players and logistics operators, the trend signals expanding opportunities in defence supply chains, after-sales support, certified logistics and international compliance. It also matters for strategic partnerships and tech transfer discussions as India integrates more deeply into global defence ecosystems.