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. Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) were the main driver with ₹21,071 crore (up 151% YoY), while the private sector contributed ₹17,353 crore (about 45% of total, +14% YoY). The export mix has moved into higher-value, complex systems including missiles, air-defence systems, artillery, radars, electronic-warfare equipment, aircraft, naval platforms and torpedoes, alongside munitions, small arms, UAVs, armoured vehicles and personal protective gear. Shipments reached more than 80 countries and the number of registered exporters rose to 145, reflecting growing global acceptance of Indian defence manufacturing.
Key Points
- Record defence exports: ₹38,424 crore in FY26, a 62.66% rise year-on-year.
- DPSUs led the surge with ₹21,071 crore (151% YoY); the private sector supplied ₹17,353 crore (45% share, +14% YoY).
- Export portfolio broadened to include high-value systems: BrahMos and Akash missiles, Pinaka rocket launchers and ATAGS howitzers, Swathi WLR radars and EW systems.
- Also exported: Dornier 228 aircraft, specialised vessels, lightweight torpedoes, munitions, small arms, UAVs, armoured vehicles and body armour.
- Reach expanded to 80+ countries; registered defence exporters up 13.3% to 145.
- Key markets include the United States, France and Armenia, plus partners across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.
Content summary
The article reports official export figures and explains which organisations and product categories powered the growth. It differentiates DPSU and private-sector contributions, lists flagship systems and platforms being shipped, and maps the widening global customer base. The rise is linked to geopolitical demand shifts and increased trust in ‘Make in India’ defence capability.
Context and relevance
This development matters for stakeholders tracking defence manufacturing, export policy, global arms markets and supply-chain realignment. The move from low-value items to strategic, high-tech exports signals deeper integration of Indian suppliers into international defence ecosystems and could affect future bilateral partnerships, offsets and export-control considerations.
Why should I read this?
Short and no-nonsense: India just smashed its defence-export record and it’s not just bullets any more. Missiles, radars, aircraft bits and naval kit are selling abroad. If you follow defence manufacturing, procurement or international supply chains, this gives you the headline numbers and the key kit — saved you a skim-through.
Author style
Punchy: This isn’t just a stats story — it’s proof of scale-up. Read the detail if you want the who/what/where behind the figures; the figures alone tell you India’s defence industry is levelling up fast.