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Once dependent on foreign defence imports, India now stands as a rising force in indigenous manufacturing, shaping its military strength through homegrown capabilities. Since the launch of the “Make in India” initiative in 2014, India’s defence production has reached a record Rs 1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24.
Adding to it, India has expanded global footprint in defence manufacturing is a direct result of its commitment to self-reliance and strategic policy interventions. Defence exports have surged from Rs 686 crore in FY 2013-14 to an all-time high of Rs 21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, marking a 30-fold increase over the past decade.
It reflects a strong commitment to self-reliance, ensuring that India not only meets its security needs but also builds a robust defence industry that contributes to economic growth.
Major policies have fuelled this momentum, encouraging private participation, technological innovation, and the development of advanced military platforms. The surge in the defence budget, from Rs 2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to Rs 6.81 lakh crore in 2025-26, is the testament to the nation’s determination to strengthen its military infrastructure.
The commitment to self-reliance and modernisation is reflected in the recent approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for the procurement of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), a significant step in enhancing the Army’s firepower.
The deal includes 307 units of 155mm/52 caliber guns along with 327 High Mobility 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles, equipping 15 Artillery Regiments under the Buy Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured (IDDM) category, at an estimated cost of Rs 7,000 crore.
Developed by DRDO with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, ATAGS is a cutting-edge artillery system with a 40+ km range, advanced fire control, precision targeting, automated loading, and recoil management, thoroughly tested by the Indian Army in all terrains.
With indigenous modern warships, fighter jets, artillery systems, and cutting-edge weaponry, India is now a key player in the global defence manufacturing landscape.
India has achieved the highest-ever growth in indigenous defence production in during Financial Year 2023-24, driven by the successful implementation of government policies and initiatives.
The growth has been strengthened by the Make in India initiative, which has enabled the development of advanced military platforms including the Dhanush Artillery Gun System, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), 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), as well as naval assets like destroyers, indigenous aircraft carriers, submarines, frigates, corvettes, fast patrol vessels, fast attack craft, and offshore patrol vessels.
Schemes like iDEX and ADITI have changed the way to success of Indian Defence Innovation stories creating a thriving ecosystem for innovation and technology development in defence and aerospace.
Reinforcing its commitment to supporting startups and MSMEs, the Ministry of Defence has also cleared procurement of 43 items worth over Rs 2,400 crore from iDEX startups and MSMEs for the Armed Forces as of February 2025. Additionally, projects worth over Rs 1,500 crore have been approved for development.
Initiatives are also designed to attract investment, enhance domestic manufacturing, and streamline procurement processes. From liberalizing foreign direct investment (FDI) limits to prioritizing indigenous production, these initiatives reflect a robust commitment to strengthening India’s defence industrial base.
With ambitious targets set for 2029, the nation is poised to further expand its global footprint, reinforcing its position as a dependable partner in the international defence market while enhancing national security and economic growth.
