How has India improved its defence production from 2013-14 to 2023-24 since the launch of “Make in India”?

India’s defense production and export milestones

India’s defense production reached Rs 1.27 crore in fiscal 2023-24, up 174% since 2014-15, driven by the Indian Made Program. Defence exports reached a record 210,83 crore rupees, expanded 30 times in a decade and exported to more than 100 countries.

Source: PIB

Metric system	Fiscal Year 2013-14	Fiscal Year 2023-24	growth rate
National Defense Production	46,429 crore rupees	Rs 1,27,434 crore	Grow 174%
National Defense Export	686 crore rupees	Rs 21,083 crore	Increased 30 times

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The Made in India initiative has transformed India into a global defense manufacturing hub, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and strengthening national security. Military strategy promotes the development of state-of-the-art weapons systems, stimulates technological innovation, and promotes participation of private sector enterprises.

What is the commitment of self-reliance and modernization to India’s defense production?

The commitment to self-reliance and modernization is evident in the recent approval of the Cabinet Security Committee (CCS) for the purchase of defense equipment (including ATAGS) as well as various localization programs and future projects. The details are as follows:

• Defence budget surge: from Rs 253 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 681 crore in 2025-26.
• ATAGS Artillery Procurement: 307 units of 155mm/52 caliber guns, guns 327 high mobility 6X6 gun trailer, lasting Rs 70,000 crore.
• Localization Drive: More than 3,000 projects have been developed under the positive Indigenization List based on more than 14,000 projects developed by Srijan.
• Future Goals: By 2029, India’s production target is Rs 3 lakh and exports are Rs 500,000 crore.

National defense production surges

India, supported by strategic policies and initiatives, saw the highest growth ever in Indigenous Defense Production in FY2023-24.

Different defense platforms developed in India

• Land system:
• Dhanush gun system, ATAGS, main tank (MBT) Arjun
• Light professional vehicles, high-motorized vehicles
• Aviation system:
• Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) TEJAS, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Utility Helicopter (LUH)
• Akash missile system, weapon positioning radar, 3D tactical control radar
• Naval System:
• Destroyers, aircraft carriers, submarines, frigates, frigates, fast patrol ships

Source: PIB

number

• Now 65% of defense equipment is produced domestically, reversing from 65-70% of import dependencies a decade ago.
• 16 DPSUs, more than 430 companies and 16,000 MSMES make up India’s defense industrial foundation.
• Contributions from the private sector: 21% of total defense production.

Defense exports: Global footprint

India’s commitment to self-reliance has significantly boosted defence exports, which has grown 30 times over the past decade.

Source: PIB

Top defense equipment

• Bulletproof Jacket, Dornier (DO-228) Aircraft, Chetak Helicopter
• Quick intercept ship, lightweight torpedo
• Boots used by Russian troops that were “made in Bihar”

Major defense export destinations

nation	Key Import
USA	Aircraft, drone
France	Bulletproof equipment
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India is now exporting to more than 100 countries and aims to reach defense exports of Rs 5,000 crore by 2029.

National Defense Excellence Innovation (IDEX)

IDEX, launched in April 2018, creates a thriving ecosystem for startups, MSMES and R&D institutions.

IDEX key highlights

• 15 crore rupees for technology development grant.
• Rs 449.62 crore (2025-26) allocated to IDEX and ADITI plans.
• 549 issue statements, 619 startups/MSME.
• As of February 2025, 430 contracts have been signed.
• Defence items worth Rs 24 billion were sourced from IDEX startups.

ADITI Program (Advanced Defense Technology Program)

• Focus areas: artificial intelligence, network technology, quantum technology, nuclear technology, semiconductors, underwater surveillance.
• Funding: Up to Rs 25 crore per project.

Samathya: Showcase India’s defense localization

Sammarthya campaign in Aero India, India highlights the progress of India’s defense manufacturing industry through 33 major indigenous items.

Source: PIB

Display of indigenous items

• Weapons and Missile Systems: Rudram II Missile, Navy Anti-Fleet Missile (Short Range)
• Electronic system: VPX-135 single board computer, C4ISR system, DIFM R118 electronic warfare system
• AI and surveillance technologies: AI-driven analytical platforms, quantum secure communications, anti-drone measures

This reflects India’s commitment to self-reliance, the bridged gap between industry, startups and defence needs.

Promote self-reliance in defense

India’s self-reliance greatly reduces its dependence on foreign suppliers, thereby strengthening national security and economic growth.

Srijan (Localization Initiative)

• Launch: August 2020 under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Purpose: Localization of defense production by the National Defense PSU and the Armed Forces.
• Achievement:
• More than 14,000 items under Srijan.
• There are over 3,000 projects under the Active Indigenization List.

Future goals

Target	Deadline
3 billion rupees of defense production	2029
Defence exports of Rs 50,000 crore	2029

in conclusion

Strategic policies, technological advancements and private sector participation, India’s defense industry is growing rapidly. India’s manufacturing program has driven the country toward self-reliance and strengthened its global footprint in defense exports. With its ambitious goal set for 2029, India is expected to become a leading defense manufacturing hub, enhancing national security and economic prosperity.

By promoting innovation, indigenization and exports, India’s defense sector is not only self-sufficiency, but also contributes to the global defense landscape, thus enhancing the vision of a strong and independent India.

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
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