India’s defence production reached an unprecedented ₹1,50,590 crore in FY 2024-25, marking an 18% jump from last year’s ₹1.27 lakh crore and a massive 90% surge since FY 2019-20, when the output stood at ₹79,071 crore, according to official data released on Friday.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the achievement as a testament to India’s expanding defence industrial base, crediting the growth to the collective efforts of the Department of Defence Production, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), public sector units, and the private industry. He emphasised that the record numbers reflect Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming India into a global defence manufacturing hub.
DPSUs and other PSUs contributed about 77% of the total production, while the private sector’s share rose to 23% from 21% in the previous fiscal — signalling its growing role in the country’s defence ecosystem. Production rose 16% for DPSUs and 28% for the private sector in FY 2024-25, driven by policy reforms, easier business processes, and a decade-long push for indigenisation.
The achievement aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which seeks to cut defence import dependency and build a robust domestic industry capable of catering to both domestic and export demands.
India’s defence exports also touched a historic high of ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024-25, up 12.04% from ₹21,083 crore in the previous year. With sustained policy support, increasing private participation, and a focus on expanding exports, officials expect the sector’s growth momentum to continue in the coming years.
