India’s Defence Exports Hit Record ₹38,424 Crore in FY26, Driven by Missiles, Artillery and Global Demand
Published: 2026-04-04T07:18:13+00:00 — Author: Karvi Rana
Summary
India’s defence exports surged to a record ₹38,424 crore in FY2025–26, a 62.66% increase from ₹23,622 crore the year before. The rise reflects stronger global demand and growing acceptance of Indian-made defence systems across a wider, higher-value export basket.
Public sector Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) led the growth with exports worth ₹21,071 crore (up ~151% year‑on‑year). The private sector contributed ₹17,353 crore — roughly 45% of the total — growing more modestly but steadily. Key exported platforms included advanced missiles (BrahMos, Akash), artillery and rocket systems (Pinaka, ATAGS), radar and electronic warfare systems (Swathi and others), plus aircraft, naval vessels, light torpedoes, munitions, small arms, drones, armoured vehicles and personal protective kit such as body armour.
Indian defence products reached more than 80 countries in FY26. The number of registered defence exporters rose 13.3% to 145. Important buyers and partners included the United States (notably for subsystems), France, Armenia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Israel, Germany, Belgium and several African nations. Over five years, exports have nearly tripled in value, signalling deeper integration into global supply chains.
Key Points
- Total defence exports: ₹38,424 crore in FY26 — a 62.66% increase year‑on‑year.
- DPSUs drove the surge with ₹21,071 crore of exports, up ~151% YoY.
- Private sector exports reached ₹17,353 crore, accounting for about 45% of the total.
- Export mix moved up the value chain: missiles (BrahMos, Akash), artillery (Pinaka, ATAGS), radar (Swathi), EW systems, aircraft, vessels and torpedoes.
- Wider product range includes munitions, small arms, UAVs, armoured vehicles and personal protection gear (body armour, bulletproof jackets).
- Products were exported to over 80 countries; registered exporters increased to 145 (up 13.3%).
- Five‑year trend: Indian defence exports have almost tripled, reflecting geopolitical demand shifts and growing manufacturer credibility.
Context and Relevance
This milestone matters because it shows India moving from low‑value supply to complex, high‑value defence systems — not just components but integrated platforms. The growth is driven by both state owned and private manufacturers and is being fuelled by geopolitics, partner diversification and trust in Indian engineering. For defence industry stakeholders, policymakers and export strategists, the shift signals new export opportunities, deeper global supply‑chain roles and potential for greater domestic industrial scale.
Why should I read this?
Quick and blunt: India just smashed its defence export record and it isn’t just bullets and boots any more. If you watch defence, manufacturing, or export markets, this story explains where the money is moving — missiles, radars, rockets and buyers in 80+ countries. Saves you the time of sifting through raw trade stats.
Author style
Punchy: This is a big one. The numbers aren’t incremental — they’re a step‑change. Read the detail if you need to understand which platforms and players are winning internationally and where policy or industrial opportunity lies.