India is on course to surpass its ambitious defence export target of ₹50,000 crore by 2029, according to a senior official from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The projection reflects the country’s expanding defence manufacturing capabilities, growing global demand for indigenous military equipment, and sustained government efforts to promote defence exports.
The official said India’s defence sector has witnessed significant progress in recent years, driven by the development of advanced indigenous technologies, increased participation of private industry, and stronger collaboration between DRDO, public sector undertakings, and domestic manufacturers. Defence exports have grown steadily as Indian-made systems gain acceptance in international markets.
Government initiatives such as the Aatmanirbhar Bharat programme, higher foreign direct investment (FDI) limits in defence manufacturing, simplified export procedures, and positive indigenisation lists have strengthened the country’s defence production ecosystem. These measures have encouraged local manufacturing while reducing dependence on imported military equipment.
India’s export portfolio now includes a wide range of products such as missile systems, artillery guns, radars, naval platforms, patrol vessels, electronic warfare systems, ammunition, protective equipment, and aerospace components. Several Indian defence firms have secured export orders from countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.
The DRDO official noted that continued investments in research and development, innovation, and advanced technologies will further enhance India’s competitiveness in the global defence market. With a strong pipeline of indigenous products and increasing international partnerships, the country is expected to comfortably exceed the ₹50,000 crore defence export milestone before the end of the decade.
The anticipated growth in defence exports is expected to strengthen India’s strategic position in the global defence industry while generating employment, boosting manufacturing, and contributing to the country’s long-term economic growth.