India's Defence Exports Soar 30-fold, US Becomes Top Buyer With 50% Share

India's defence export industry has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the last decade, with figures multiplying more than 30 times. The nation now supplies defence products to over 90 countries, driven by a surge in global conflicts and strategic government initiatives.

Government Initiatives Fueling Growth​

The Indian government has been instrumental in this export boom, implementing policies to simplify licensing and approvals, and demonstrating a greater willingness to supply lethal arms. These efforts align with the government's ambitious target to achieve Rs 35,000 crore ($5 billion) in defence exports within five years, as part of a broader strategy to attain a turnover of Rs 1.75 lakh crore ($25 billion) in defence manufacturing by 2025.

In 2023-2024, India's defence exports reached a record Rs 21,083 crore, marking a 32.5% increase from the previous fiscal year. This growth trajectory highlights the success of the government's strategic focus on defence exports.

US Emerges as Top Destination​

The United States has become the largest importer of Indian defence products, accounting for nearly 50% of India's total defence exports.

This robust trade relationship is largely attributed to American companies sourcing systems, subsystems, and components from India as part of their global supply chains and offset commitments. Boeing and Lockheed Martin are among the most prominent players, with significant operations in India.

Diverse Export Portfolio​

India's defence exports encompass a wide array of products, from ammunition and small arms to advanced items like lightweight torpedoes, drones, and fast-attack vessels. Both private and state-run companies are playing a crucial role in driving this export growth.

Bengaluru-based Indo-MIM, a private company specializing in metal injection molding (MIM) parts, has emerged as India's top private defence exporter. State-run companies like Munitions India, established in 2021, have also achieved significant export milestones.

Strategic Deals and Global Engagements​

India's defence export capabilities are further underscored by recent high-profile deals, including the BrahMos missile contract with the Philippines and artillery and air defence systems agreements with Armenia.

Traditional markets like Myanmar remain significant, while newer partnerships with Israel and Armenia have expanded India's global reach.

The Indian government's efforts go beyond exports, focusing on creating a comprehensive defence ecosystem. This includes establishing private assembly plants for military transport aircraft and commercial helicopters, which may eventually cater to global markets.

India's defence export market has experienced exponential growth, fueled by strategic government policies, robust international demand, and strong partnerships with global defence giants like the US.

With exports now reaching over 90 countries, India is rapidly emerging as a key player in the global defence industry. As the nation continues to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and expand its global engagements, it is well on its way to achieving its ambitious targets and solidifying its position as a major defence exporter.

 

[sanket]

I thought they are Apache & chinook ,C-130 are not mostly used , Only when US start sourcing Fighter jets components then only it will b major achivement this is start after decade will b seen how long it sustain

 

[Dredd]

I thought they are Apache & chinook ,C-130 are not mostly used , Only when US start sourcing Fighter jets components then only it will b major achivement this is start after decade will b seen how long it sustain

you have to procure them to become part of supply chain, Unlike most countries, defence companies in US are private body and are free to procure the parts from across the globe except of-course enemy countries, It only helps countries like india to become part of these high tech and precision engineering supply chain. Countries like France and Germany are too much self centred to help Us.

 

[Kira]

This is what I am always referring to when I say India should become a key cog in the internal supply chains instead of trying to inefficiently produce each and every component of each and every major system.

 

[ANUP]

Thy can stop spares at any time or during war then what we r going to do tht time , during kargil war thy didn't give us gps location

 

[beencensured]

This is what I am always referring to when I say India should become a key cog in the internal supply chains instead of trying to inefficiently produce each and every component of each and every major system.

Probably, this is part of an offset clause.

 

[Chandrakanth Shetty]

I thought they are Apache & chinook ,C-130 are not mostly used , Only when US start sourcing Fighter jets components then only it will b major achivement this is start after decade will b seen how long it sustain

Y mean to say india has to nanufacture B 22 bombers and supply to us

 

[Jessica Cheong]

Boeing is the bad example for the procurement of components which made in India company, cause Boeing fall into the mess , how come US never learn any lesson from the mistake and falling again?