India records highest-ever defence exports at ₹38,424 crore in FY26

India’s defence exports reached a record high of ₹38,424 crore in the financial year 2025–26, registering a growth of over 62% compared to the previous fiscal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday.

Describing it as a “historic milestone,” Singh said the sharp increase reflects rising global confidence in India’s indigenous defence capabilities and advanced manufacturing strength. The exports grew by ₹14,802 crore over the previous year, signalling India’s expanding footprint in the global defence market.

The Defence Minister highlighted that both the public and private sectors played a significant role in achieving this milestone. Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) accounted for 54.84% of exports, while private companies contributed 45.16%, indicating a balanced and collaborative defence ecosystem.

Singh also underlined India’s growing self-reliance in defence production, noting that all warships and submarines for the Indian Navy are now being built domestically. He described this as a major step towards strengthening indigenous capabilities and said the vision of a “builder’s navy” is now becoming a reality.

The latest figures mark a significant jump from ₹23,622 crore in 2024–25, continuing a steady upward trend in defence exports over recent years.

The government has been pushing for increased domestic manufacturing and exports under its self-reliance initiatives, with a long-term target of achieving ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029–30.

The surge in exports is seen as a key indicator of India’s growing position as a defence manufacturing hub, with increasing demand for indigenous platforms and systems in international markets.