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% rise from ₹23,622 crore the year before. Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) accounted for ₹21,071 crore of exports — a steep 151% year‑on‑year jump — while the private sector contributed ₹17,353 crore, roughly 45% of the total, up about 14% year‑on‑year.
The export mix has shifted towards higher‑value and complex systems. Notable shipments included missile systems (BrahMos, Akash), artillery and rocket systems (Pinaka, ATAGS howitzer), Swathi weapon‑locating radar and various electronic warfare systems. Aviation and naval platforms — such as Dornier 228 aircraft, specialised vessels and lightweight torpedoes — plus munitions, small arms, drones and personal protection equipment were also exported.
Indian defence products reached more than 80 countries in FY26. The number of registered defence exporters rose 13.3% to 145, and over the last five years exports have almost tripled, indicating stronger global integration and growing trust in Indian defence manufacturing.
Key Points
- Record defence exports of ₹38,424 crore in FY26 — a 62.66% increase year‑on‑year.
- DPSUs drove the surge with ₹21,071 crore of exports (151% YoY increase); private sector supplied ₹17,353 crore (45% share).
- Export portfolio now includes advanced missiles (BrahMos, Akash), artillery (Pinaka, ATAGS), radar and electronic warfare systems, plus aircraft, vessels and torpedoes.
- Products shipped to over 80 countries; major buyers include the US, France and Armenia, and markets across Asia, Africa and Europe.
- Registered defence exporters rose to 145 (+13.3%); five‑year trend shows exports nearly tripling, signalling deeper global supply‑chain integration.
Why should I read this?
Short version: India just smashed its defence export record and it matters. If you follow defence manufacturing, global arms markets or supply‑chain shifts, this is a big signal — domestic companies are moving from low‑value kit to missiles, radars and platforms that buyers actually want. It affects trade, geopolitics and where defence production investment will flow next. Quick hit: DPSUs are booming, private sector is scaling, and customers are global.