New Delhi: India's defence exports have touched an all-time high of ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025–26, surpassing last year's figure of ₹23,622 crore by a record margin of ₹14,802 crore -- a 62.66% rise that signals the country's accelerating emergence as a serious global arms supplier.
Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) were the story of the year, recording a stunning 151% jump from ₹8,389 crore to ₹21,071 crore, contributing 54.84% of total exports.
The private sector, though growing at a more measured 14%, added ₹17,353 crore, holding its own with a 45.16% share.
The record figure represents roughly three times the export value of five years ago, reflecting the compounding effect of sustained government investment in indigenization and a revamped regulatory framework that has made it considerably easier for Indian firms to access international buyers.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the performance as evidence that India is "marching ahead towards becoming a global manufacturing hub for defence equipment."
The achievement aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of positioning India among the world's top defence exporters.
The number of active exporters grew to 145 from 128 -- a 13.3% rise -- while the destination count expanded to over 80 countries.
The Department of Defence Production has attributed the gains in part to a streamlined export regulatory portal that has reduced friction for first-time and repeat exporters alike.
