3 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Apr 2, 2026 09:50 PM IST
Defence exports have reached an all-time high of Rs 38,424 crore in the financial year 2025-26, marking an increase of Rs 14,802 crore (62.66%) over the previous fiscal year’s figure of Rs 23,622 crore, in which the Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and the private sector have contributed 54.84% and 45.16% respectively, the Defence Ministry said on Thursday.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW VIDEO
In a statement, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said that the DPSUs’ exports surged by 151% compared to the previous year while private firms recorded an increase of 14%.
“In terms of value of contribution, the private sector accounted for Rs 17,353 crore worth of defence exports, while DPSUs contributed Rs 21,071 crore. Their respective figures in the previous financial year stood at Rs 15,233 crore and Rs 8,389 crore (respectively),” it said, adding that this figure indicates an increase by around three times in the last five years.
The ministry said the sharp rise highlights the increasing global acceptance of Indian made defence products and the sector’s growing integration with the international supply chains.
It stated that aside from being a successful global partner for systems/sub-systems, India is exporting defence equipment to more than 80 countries as of FY 2025-26, adding that the number of exporters went up to 145 from 128 — a 13.3% rise from the previous fiscal.
It also highlighted the Department of Defence Production has streamlined defence export regulatory processes with a revamped online portal and simplified Standard Operation Procedure for authorisations.
Commending the efforts of all stakeholders in this achievement, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in a post on X, said that with DPSUs contributing 54.84% and private industry 45.16%, this milestone showcases the power of a collaborative and self-reliant defence ecosystem.
Story continues below this ad
He also noted that this significant jump of Rs 14,802 crore in defence exports reflects the growing global trust in India’s indigenous capabilities and advanced manufacturing strength.
On Wednesday, the Defence Ministry said that it has fully utilised its capital outlay of Rs 1.86 lakh crore for defence services provided for the FY 2025-26 at the Revised Estimates stage.
In the FY 2025-26, AoN (Acceptance of Necessity) for 109 proposals amounting Rs 6.81 lakh crore has been accorded by MoD, compared to 56 proposals worth Rs 1.76 lakh crore approved in FY 2024-25. Also, capital procurement contracts for a total 503 proposals amounting Rs 2.28 lakh crore were signed by MoD in FY 2025-26, it said.
