Make in India Contributes To Growth In India's Defence Production & Exports

New Delhi, Mar 31 (KNN) India's defence production has achieved a record Rs 1.27 lakh crore in fiscal year 2023-24, marking a 174 percent increase from Rs 46,429 crore in 2014-15. 

This growth reflects the impact of the "Make in India" initiative, which has reduced dependency on foreign suppliers and established India as an emerging player in indigenous defence manufacturing.

The nation's defence budget has expanded from Rs 2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to Rs 6.81 lakh crore in 2025-26, demonstrating the government's commitment to strengthening military infrastructure through domestic capabilities. 

This approach aims to address security requirements while developing a robust defence industry that contributes to economic growth.

Policies encouraging private sector participation, technological innovation, and development of advanced military platforms have driven this progress. 

Domestic production now includes modern warships, fighter jets, artillery systems, and advanced weaponry, positioning India as a significant entity in global defence manufacturing.

The Ministry of Defence signed a record 193 contracts worth over Rs 2,09,050 crore in 2024-25, nearly doubling previous records. 

Notably, 177 of these contracts, valued at Rs 1,68,922 crore and representing 92 percent of the total, were awarded to domestic industry, reinforcing the government's focus on indigenous manufacturing.

Recent acquisitions include 156 Light Combat Helicopters Prachand from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited worth Rs 62,700 crore. 

These helicopters, designed for high-altitude operations above 5,000 meters, feature over 65 percent indigenous content and involve 250 domestic companies, primarily MSMEs, generating more than 8,500 jobs.

The Cabinet Committee on Security has approved procurement of 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems along with 327 High Mobility Gun Towing Vehicles for Rs 7,000 crore. 

Developed by DRDO in collaboration with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, these artillery systems have a range exceeding 40 km and have undergone extensive testing by the Indian Army.

Defence exports have grown from Rs 686 crore in FY 2013-14 to Rs 21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, representing a 30-fold increase over the past decade. 

India now exports defence equipment to over 100 countries, with the United States, France, and Armenia as the top buyers in 2023-24. 

The government aims to achieve Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.

The Innovations for Defence Excellence initiative, launched in April 2018, has created an ecosystem for innovation in defence and aerospace by engaging MSMEs, startups, innovators, and academic institutions. 

The program provides grants up to Rs 1.5 crore for developing innovative technologies, with 549 problem statements opened and 430 contracts signed as of February 2025.

Two Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have been established to enhance manufacturing, with investments exceeding Rs 8,658 crore across multiple locations. 

As of February 2025, 253 Memoranda of Understanding have been signed, with potential investment of Rs 53,439 crore.

The government has implemented measures to improve business conditions in defence manufacturing, including extending defence license validity from three to fifteen years and streamlining export processes. 

The sector now allows up to 74 percent foreign direct investment through the automatic route.

With 65 percent of defence equipment now manufactured domestically—a significant change from the previous 65-70 percent import dependency—India has set a target of Rs 3 lakh crore in defence production by 2029, strengthening its position in the international defence market while enhancing national security and economic development.

(KNN Bureau)