India Sets Sights on Rs 50,000 crore Defence Exports by 2030, Says Defence Secretary

Speaking to Moneycontrol in an exclusive interview, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said India’s defence export ambitions are no longer a pipe‑dream – they’re, in his words, “easily achievable.” He pointed to the Rs 38,424 crore worth of shipments recorded in FY 2025‑26 as a solid stepping‑stone toward the Rs 50,000 crore target for 2030.

“We’ve already crossed the Rs 39,000‑crore mark last year,” Singh remarked, a hint of optimism in his tone. “With the current geopolitical climate pushing many countries to re‑arm, the timing couldn’t be better.”

India’s defence export ecosystem is surprisingly diverse. Singh listed roughly 145 companies that now ship a spectrum of products – from humble ballistic helmets and bullet‑proof jackets to sophisticated platforms such as the BrahMos cruise missile and the Akash surface‑to‑air system.

Public‑sector units, too, are getting a bigger piece of the pie. They are landing orders for standard artillery shells, ammunition and other “bread‑and‑butter” items, benefitting from the same global security anxieties that are fuelling private‑sector growth.

Numbers back up the chatter. In the 2025‑26 financial year, the ministry issued about 1,800 export authorisations covering more than 100 nations. “Defence exports are finally hitting critical mass,” Singh said, underscoring how the sector has matured into a true industry.

Looking ahead, the secretary highlighted areas where India has a clear edge – high technology readiness platforms like the Dornier aircraft and, of course, the BrahMos missile. He hinted at three almost‑finalised BrahMos deals: an initial contract with the Philippines, and pending agreements with Indonesia and Vietnam.

Export successes aren’t limited to missiles. Akash air‑defence systems and various artillery solutions have found buyers in places as far‑flung as Armenia, while interest is bubbling up across the region.

Growth has been staggering. From a modest Rs 686 crore in FY 2013‑14, defence exports have surged to Rs 38,424 crore in FY 2025‑26 – a rise of more than 5,500 % over twelve years. The government attributes this leap to the Make‑in‑India drive and a determined push for self‑reliance.

“We’re slowly shedding our old identity as a net importer,” the ministry’s statement read. “Around 65 % of our defence gear is now produced domestically, compared with a 65‑70 % import dependence not long ago.”

With such momentum, Singh is confident that the Rs 50,000 crore milestone will be reached well before the decade’s end, positioning India as a formidable player in the global defence market.