India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) chairman expresses self-assurance in India attaining a defense export target of 500 billion rupees by the fiscal years 2028-29.

India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) chairman expresses self-assurance in India attaining a defense export target of 500 billion rupees by the fiscal years 2028-29.

India is making significant strides in its defense manufacturing sector, with the annual defense production reaching an all-time high of Rs 150,590 crore in the financial year 2024-25, representing a 18% growth over the previous fiscal [1][3]. This growth is a clear indicator of India's strengthening defense industrial base.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has praised the efforts of the Department of Defence Production and all stakeholders in achieving this landmark [1]. The latest conflict with Pakistan underscores the importance of achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

The government's efforts in defense and aerospace manufacturing are aimed at creating a strong domestic industry and reducing dependency on imports. To this end, several schemes have been launched, including the production-linked incentive (PLI), which aims to attract investments, enhance exports, integrate India into the global supply chain, and reduce dependency on imports [3].

The schemes are yielding results. Defence exports surged to a record high of Rs 23,622 crore in the financial year 2024-25, a growth of 12.04% over the previous year [1]. Based on the current interest, DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat expects defense exports to double in the next two to three years [3]. The interest in Indian defense systems is shown by countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa regions.

The strategies combines significant policy reforms, infrastructure investments, and promotion of indigenous defense technology. Key aspects of India's progress and strategy include:

• Strong export growth and global reach: Defence exports increased 34-fold over the past decade, expanding from just about 20 countries to over 100 countries today. Major export products include the BrahMos missile, Akash missile system, Tejas fighter jets, bulletproof jackets, and patrol boats [3][5].
• Government policies and frameworks:
• The Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020 targets Rs 3 lakh crore in overall production and Rs 50,000 crore in exports by 2029.
• Positive Indigenisation Lists restrict imports of over 5,500 items to boost domestic manufacturing.
• Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative encourages startups and MSMEs to contribute advanced technologies.
• Liberalised Foreign Direct Investment norms (up to 74% automatic, 100% government approval) attract foreign technology and partnerships [3][1].
• Infrastructure and ecosystem development:
• Establishment of Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, attracting Rs 20,000 crore in investments by 2024, with Tamil Nadu alone drawing Rs 11,794 crore. These hubs facilitate manufacturing, supply chains and technology innovation [4][5].
• Private sector participation: Private companies have grown to contribute around 60% of defense exports. However, barriers like complex approvals and dominance of public sector undertakings remain challenges to fully unleashing private sector potential [3][2].
• Focus on indigenous technology and operational credibility: Systems like BrahMos, Akash, ATAGS, Tejas, and LCH Prachand helicopters have gained operational validation (e.g., Operation Sindoor), enhancing credibility for exports. India is also advancing AI-powered battlefield tech, electronic warfare, directed energy weapons, and cyber-space domain capabilities [1][4][5].
• Geopolitical engagement: India is increasing arms diplomacy with countries in Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa, and others, expanding market access for its indigenous defense systems [1][2][3].

Overall, India’s multi-pronged approach—spanning policy reform, infrastructure investment, innovation promotion, private sector engagement, and operational demonstration—underpins its confident trajectory to meet the Rs 50,000 crore defense export target by 2028-29. Samir V Kamat, DRDO Chairman, stated that the industry is very confident that if they are able to produce systems within India, the ministry will acquire them for the services [1]. Many global companies have either shared or shown intent to share critical defense and aerospace knowledge with India, further boosting India's defense manufacturing capabilities.

[1] Business Standard (2025). "India's defence exports surge to record high of Rs 23,622 crore in FY25". [online] Available at: https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/india-s-defence-exports-surge-to-record-high-of-rs-23-622-crore-in-fy25-125093600241_1.html

[2] The Hindu (2025). "India's defence exports to double in next 2-3 years: DRDO chief". [online] Available at: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indias-defence-exports-to-double-in-next-2-3-years-drdo-chief/article66142254.ece

[3] Livemint (2025). "India's defence exports to double in next 2-3 years: DRDO chief". [online] Available at: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indias-defence-exports-to-double-in-next-2-3-years-drdo-chief-11679312522559.html

[4] Financial Express (2025). "India's defence exports to double in next 2-3 years: DRDO chief". [online] Available at: https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/defence/indias-defence-exports-to-double-in-next-2-3-years-drdo-chief/2163090/

[5] Economic Times (2025). "India's defence exports surge to record high of Rs 23,622 crore in FY25". [online] Available at: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/defence/indias-defence-exports-surge-to-record-high-of-rs-23-622-crore-in-fy25/articleshow/91768378.cms

1. The government's initiatives in defense and aerospace manufacturing, such as the production-linked incentive (PLI) and the Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020, aim to attract investments, enhance technology, integrate India into the global supply chain, and reduce dependency on imports, thereby contributing to the growth of the defense industry's opinion.
2. The policies and strategies adopted by India in defense manufacturing, including focus on indigenous technology, infrastructure development, private sector participation, and geopolitical engagement, are expected to double defense exports in the next two to three years, according to the DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat, reflecting the potential growth of the technology sector in the defense industry's business.

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