India’s Defence Exports Hit Record ₹38,424 Crore in FY26, Driven by Missiles, Artillery and Global Demand
Summary
India’s defence exports reached a record ₹38,424 crore in FY2025–26, a 62.66% rise from ₹23,622 crore the year before. Public sector Defence PSUs were the main drivers with exports of ₹21,071 crore (up 151% YoY), while the private sector accounted for ₹17,353 crore (about 45% of the total), growing at a steadier 14%.
The export mix has moved up the value chain: advanced missile systems (BrahMos, Akash), artillery and rocket systems (Pinaka, ATAGS), radar systems (Swathi), electronic warfare gear, Dornier 228 aircraft, naval vessels and lightweight torpedoes. Exports also included munitions, small arms, ammunition, drones, armoured vehicles and personal protection equipment.
Indian defence products reached over 80 countries. The number of registered defence exporters rose to 145 (a 13.3% increase). Key buyers include the United States (notably for sub-systems/components), France, Armenia and a range of countries across Asia, Africa and Europe.
Key Points
- Record defence exports of ₹38,424 crore in FY26 — a 62.66% year‑on‑year increase.
- DPSUs delivered ₹21,071 crore of exports (151% YoY increase); private sector contributed ₹17,353 crore (45% share).
- Export portfolio has shifted to high‑value platforms: missiles (BrahMos, Akash), artillery (Pinaka, ATAGS), radars (Swathi) and electronic warfare systems.
- Products supplied to over 80 countries; registered exporters rose to 145 (up 13.3%).
- Exports nearly tripled over five years, signalling stronger global integration of India’s defence manufacturing and supply chains.
Context and relevance
This milestone matters beyond numbers. It reflects geopolitical rebalancing, growing global demand for alternative suppliers, and the success of domestic defence industrialisation policies (Make in India). For logistics and supply‑chain professionals, the shift to heavier, higher‑value platforms changes transport, warehousing, export compliance and aftersales support requirements — from specialised air and sea lift for missiles and aircraft components to secure, compliant handling of munitions and sensitive electronics.
Policymakers and industry players should note the rising role of DPSUs and the private sector split: DPSUs leading in ammunition and sub-systems, private firms expanding into armoured vehicles, UAVs and personal protection gear. Ports, freight forwarders and integrated logistics providers will see new opportunities — and new regulatory and security responsibilities.
Why should I read this?
Short answer: because India just smashed a defence‑export record and it’s not just bragging rights — it changes who ships what, where and how. If you work in logistics, defence manufacturing, export compliance or trade policy, this will tweak your priorities. We’ve skimmed the detail, so you don’t have to — but you’ll want to know the bits that affect your business.
Author style
Punchy: big headline, bigger implications. This isn’t a minor uptick — it’s a step change in India’s defence export story. Read the detail if you care about supply‑chain shifts, export routes and which players (DPSUs vs private) are shaping the market now.