India’s military hardware productions in 2024-25: Over INR 15 Kharab
Defence production in India for the year 2024 -25 reached a high of over INR 15 Kharab (₹1.50 lakh crore or USD 17.6 billion) in 2024-25, with exports also hitting new highs of nearly INR 3 Kharab (USD 3.5 billion).
The above data indicates that India is now an emerging global manufacturer of advanced defence technology hardware and is capable of supporting the combat readiness of Armed Forces for future warfare. India can also independently execute its strategic moves whenever required.
During the fiscal year 2024-25, the MoD procured military hardware and weapons worth 12 Kharab (₹1.20 lakh crore) through domestic production by both the Public Sector and the Private Sector. Thus notching a significant increase in self-reliance in defence manufacturing, according to Shri Rajnath Singh, the Raksha Mantri. The exports of defence hardware for the period was to the tune of 3 Kharab (USD 3.5 billion).
As per SIPRI, India imported roughly 8.3 % of the World Arms trade. Thus the estimated value of Indian Arms import for 2024-25 will be around INR 9 Kharab (USD10.6 billion). This mean we need to rapidly increase our defence production, especially the manufacturing of indigenously designed jet engines and Ship propulsion systems.
The PM, the RM, the CDS, the MoD, HQ IDS and the three Services HQ are already working on the long-term vision to enhance India’s defence capabilities through local design, development, and manufacturing. Thus reducing dependency on imports and focusing on technology-oriented modern warfare including drones, anti-drone and Electronic Warfare systems.
Shri Rajnath Singh emphasised that modern warfare dynamics, especially non-contact warfare exemplified by missiles, UAVs and drone operations as seen during Operation Sindoor, are now guiding the procurement priorities.
Forces are highly aware of these changes and are preparing accordingly and the Government focusing on advancing critical defence technologies domestically.
The new defence procurement policy of the government seeks to achieve three key goals by 2047 as part of India’s broader developmental aspirations: attaining self-reliance in critical defence capabilities; emerging as a major global exporter in the defence sector; and making advancements in new niche and cutting-edge technologies.
For the success of this approach, enabling private sector participation, start-ups, and small and medium enterprises alongside public sector undertakings to create a robust and innovative indigenous defence ecosystem, is a must.
The Defence Procurement Manual 2025, has simplified the revenue procurement processes, encourages innovation, and fosters collaboration between private industry, academia, and defence public sector undertakings.
