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 rise of 62.66% from ₹23,622 crore the year before. The jump reflects growing global demand and rising confidence in Indian-made defence systems, spanning high-value platforms to munitions and protective gear.
Public sector Defence PSUs led the surge, exporting goods worth ₹21,071 crore (a 151% year-on-year rise). The private sector supplied ₹17,353 crore — about 45% of the total — up 14% year-on-year. Export items ranged from advanced missile systems (BrahMos, Akash) and artillery (Pinaka, ATAGS) to radar and electronic-warfare equipment, Dornier 228 aircraft, naval vessels and lightweight torpedoes, plus drones, small arms, ammunition and personal protection equipment.
Indian defence products reached buyers in over 80 countries during the year; the number of registered defence exporters rose 13.3% to 145. Key markets included the United States, France and Armenia, plus partners across South-East Asia, Africa and Europe. Over five years, India’s defence exports have nearly tripled, signalling deeper integration into global defence supply chains.
Key Points
- Record FY26 defence exports of ₹38,424 crore — up 62.66% from FY25.
- DPSUs accounted for ₹21,071 crore of exports (151% YoY growth); private sector contributed ₹17,353 crore (45% share, 14% YoY rise).
- Export mix moved up the value chain: missiles (BrahMos, Akash), artillery (Pinaka, ATAGS), radars (Swathi), EW systems, aircraft, naval platforms and torpedoes.
- Goods reached more than 80 countries; registered exporters rose to 145 (up 13.3%). Major buyers include the US, France, Armenia and several Asian, European and African nations.
- Five-year trend: exports nearly tripled, underlining India’s growing role in global defence manufacturing and supply chains.
Author style
Punchy: This is a big one for Make-in-India and geopolitics. The numbers aren’t just impressive — they signal a step-change in capability and trust. If you work in defence manufacturing, policy, export logistics or supply-chain planning, the detail matters: different suppliers are winning different markets, and the split between DPSUs and private firms is changing fast.
Why should I read this?
Short version: India just smashed its defence export record. If you care about where defence manufacturing money and jobs are heading, or which systems are selling overseas (missiles, artillery, drones, naval kit), this saves you the time — and gives the headline facts fast. Also useful if you track export markets or supply-chain shifts tied to geopolitics.