India's defense manufacturing hits record, producing 65% of its weapons

India now emerges as an advancing power in domestic defence production, with modern warships, fighter aircraft, artillery systems, and advanced weaponry being developed within the nation.

The nation has reached its record growth in domestic defence production in value during Financial Year (FY) 2023-24 at Rs 1,27,265 crore—a 174 percent rise from Rs 46,429 crore in 2014-15.

The surge in defence was propelled by the successful implementation of the government policies and initiatives, the defence ministry said.

The Make in India initiative has facilitated the creation of sophisticated military platforms such as the Dhanush Artillery Gun System, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System, Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun, Light Specialist Vehicles, High Mobility Vehicles, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Akash Missile System, Weapon Locating Radar, 3D Tactical Control Radar, and Software Defined Radio (SDR).

These have also resulted in the creation of important naval assets such as destroyers, indigenous aircraft carriers, submarines, frigates, corvettes, high-speed patrol boats, quick attack crafts, and offshore patrol vessels.

As per the data from the defence ministry, 65 percent of military equipment is currently produced domestically. This is indeed an impressive accomplishment for a nation that depended on imports for 65 to 70 percent of its arms requirements.

The expansion has also been supported by the private sector, which accounts for 21 percent of the overall defense production.

India's key exports consist of bulletproof vests, Dornier (Do-228) planes, Chetak helicopters, rapid interceptor vessels, and lightweight torpedoes. In 2023-24, India’s equipment was primarily purchased by the USA, France, and Armenia.

"In recent years, the Indian government has implemented a series of transformative initiatives aimed at bolstering the country's defence production capabilities and achieving self-reliance. These measures are designed to attract investment, enhance domestic manufacturing, and streamline procurement processes," the defence ministry stated in a release.