India's defence exports surge 62.66% to Rs38,424 crore in FY26

India’s defence exports surged 62.66% year-on-year to a record Rs38,424 crore (approximately $4.6 billion) in the financial year 2025–26, underscoring the country’s growing footprint in the global arms market, according to the Ministry of Defence on Thursday.The sharp rise marks an increase of Rs14,802 crore from Rs 23,622 crore recorded in FY25, reflecting robust demand for Indian-made defence equipment and sustained policy support aimed at boosting exports.
The export growth was driven by both public and private sector players. Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) accounted for 54.84% of total exports, while private firms contributed 45.16%. Notably, exports by DPSUs witnessed a remarkable 151% surge, rising to Rs21,071 crore from Rs8,389 crore in the previous fiscal. In comparison, private sector exports grew 14% to Rs17,353 crore from Rs15,233 crore.

???? Defence exports skyrocket to record Rs 38,424 crore in Financial Year 2025-26, a massive 62.66% increase over previous fiscal

???? Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) exports soar by 151%, private sector contribution up by 14%

???? India is exporting defence equipment to… pic.twitter.com/4wKLF25opH

— PIB India (@PIB_India) April 2, 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the achievement, crediting the Department of Defence Production, exporters, and industry stakeholders for the milestone. In a post on X, he said India is “scripting an impressive defence exports success story” under the leadership of Narendra Modi, while steadily advancing towards becoming a global manufacturing hub for defence equipment.The latest figures represent nearly a threefold increase in defence exports over the past five years, highlighting the sector’s rapid expansion and increasing competitiveness.

Under the inspiring leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi, India is scripting an impressive defence exports success story!

India defence exports have touched a new all time high with a record ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025-26. It marks a robust 62.66% growth over the previous fiscal.… pic.twitter.com/eAAh1PYX7e

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 2, 2026

The ministry attributed the growth to rising global acceptance of Indian defence products and the country’s deeper integration into international supply chains. India exported defence equipment to more than 80 countries in FY26, while the number of registered exporters rose to 145 from 128 a year earlier.Policy initiatives aimed at improving ease of doing business have also played a crucial role. These include a revamped online export authorisation portal and simplified standard operating procedures, which have streamlined processes and encouraged greater participation from private players.