India's Defence Exports Soar 62.6% to Record Rs 38,424 Crore in FY26

India's defence exports achieved a historic high of Rs 38,424 crore in the 2025-26 financial year, marking a substantial 62.66% increase from the previous year. Defence Public Sector Undertakings led the surge with a remarkable 151% growth in exports, while the private sector contributed Rs 17,353 crore. The country now exports defence equipment to more than 80 nations, with the number of active exporters rising to 145. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh credited this performance to the government's policies and stated India is progressing towards becoming a global defence manufacturing hub.

Key Points: India's Defence Exports Hit Record High, Reach 80+ Countries

  • Exports hit record Rs 38,424 crore
  • DPSU exports surge 151%
  • Over 80 countries import Indian gear
  • Private sector contributes Rs 17,353 crore
  • 145 active exporters in FY26
2 min read

India's defence exports surge 62.6 pc to Rs 38,424 crore in FY26, reach over 80 countries

India's defence exports surged 62.6% to Rs 38,424 crore in FY26, with DPSU exports up 151%. Over 80 countries now import Indian defence equipment.

"India is marching ahead towards becoming a global manufacturing hub for defence equipment. - Rajnath Singh"

New Delhi, April 2

In a significant development, defence exports surged to an all-time high of Rs 38,424 crore in the financial year 2025-26, marking a 62.66 per cent rise from previous fiscal's Rs 23,622 crore exports figures, the government said on Thursday.

Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and the private sector contributed 54.84 per cent and 45.16 per cent, respectively.

This accomplishment of the Indian defence industry is in line with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to position India among the world's top defence exporters, said Defence Ministry in a statement.

DPSUs' exports surged by 151 per cent compared to the previous year, with private firms showcasing their robust presence by recording an increase of 14 per cent.

"In terms of value of contribution, the private sector accounted for Rs 17,353 crore worth of defence exports, while DPSUs contributed Rs 21,071 crore. Their respective figures in the previous financial year stood at Rs 15,233 crore and Rs 8,389 crore," said the official statement.

Apart from being a successful global partner for systems/sub-systems, India is exporting defence equipment to more than 80 countries as of FY 2025-26. The number of exporters underwent a surge to 145 from 128, a 13.3 per cent rise from the previous fiscal.

This highlights the increasing global acceptance of Indian made defence products and the sector's growing integration into the international supply chains.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded this exemplary performance of the Department of Defence Production, Indian defence exporters and all other stakeholders, asserting that India is marching ahead towards becoming a global manufacturing hub for defence equipment.

In a post on X, he stated that under the inspiring leadership of PM Modi, India is scripting an impressive defence exports success story.

The continuous endeavours towards ease of doing business and facilitation of defence exporters have paved the way for a performance oriented and globally competitive defence industry.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Impressive numbers, no doubt. The 151% growth for DPSUs is staggering. However, I hope this export success translates into better, more modern equipment for our own armed forces as well. Self-reliance must first serve our own security needs.
V
Vikram M
Over 80 countries! That's the real story. From Brahmos missiles to Tejas components, our defence tech is gaining trust worldwide. This also strengthens our diplomatic ties. A strong defence export sector is a pillar of a strong foreign policy. Jai Hind!
P
Priya S
As someone whose cousin works in a defence PSU, the mood there is really positive. But the private sector contribution of Rs 17,353 crore is equally crucial. It shows innovation is thriving outside government setups. More power to our engineers and scientists!
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Rohit P
Great achievement, but let's not get carried away. The base was low. We need to sustain this growth and break into the top league with big-ticket items like complete fighter jets or submarines. The journey has just begun. Focus on quality and cutting-edge R&D.
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Kavya N
This is about jobs, technology, and national pride. Every missile or radar system exported means high-skilled employment for our youth and forex earnings for the country. A virtuous cycle. Hope the momentum continues! 👏

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