India’s Defence Exports Touch ₹23,000 Crore, Poised to Double in Next 2–3 Years

India’s defence exports reached an impressive ₹23,000 crore in 2024–25, and this figure is set to double within the next two to three years, according to Dr. Sameer Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT).

Speaking at a press conference in Pune after DIAT’s 14th convocation ceremony, Dr. Kamat highlighted India’s growing role as a global supplier of advanced defence technology, driven by indigenous innovation and robust demand from international partners.

Rising Global Demand for Indian Defence Equipment

Dr. Kamat revealed that Indian-made defence systems are attracting strong interest from Middle Eastern, African, and South Asian nations. This growing demand reflects the reputation of India’s defence products for quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

Two major projects are currently in the works,

• Smaller Version of BrahMos Missile – Designed for greater versatility and deployment flexibility in diverse combat scenarios.
• Zorawar Light Tank – A high-mobility, lightweight armoured vehicle under rapid development to meet modern battlefield requirements.

Indigenous Technology in Action: Operation Sindhur

Recalling the success of ‘Operation Sindhur’, the Indian Armed Forces were significantly supported by DRDO-developed indigenous weapons, armaments, and equipment during the mission.

Such operational successes demonstrate India’s growing self-reliance in critical defence technologies, a cornerstone of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) vision in the defence sector.

Centres of Excellence to Boost Self-Reliance

To further accelerate indigenous defence capabilities, 15 Centres of Excellence are being established across the country with the collaborative support of the defence industry and academic institutions.

These centres will focus on cutting-edge R&D in missile systems, advanced weaponry, electronics, and materials science, aiming for complete self-reliance in missile and equipment production in the coming years.

The Road Ahead

India’s defence export growth is a result of strategic reforms, policy incentives, and active industry–government collaboration. With export volumes set to double, the country is positioning itself as a major global defence supplier, capable of delivering high-quality, cost-effective, and technologically advanced systems.