India’s defence sector has marked an unprecedented milestone, with its defence production reaching an all-time high of Rs 1.27 lakh crore as revealed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). This achievement highlights the nation’s growing capabilities in defence manufacturing and its push towards greater self-reliance.
Key Highlights from India’s Defence Sector
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Record-breaking Growth: Defence production surged by a remarkable 174% from Rs 46,200 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 1.27 lakh crore in 2023-24.
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Explosive Rise in Exports: Defence exports skyrocketed by 30 times, jumping from Rs 686 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 21,083 crore in 2023-24.
A Decade of Remarkable Growth
From 2014-15 to 2023-24, India’s defence sector has experienced exceptional growth, both in terms of production and exports. Here’s a breakdown of the impressive numbers:
| Year | Defence Production (Rs in crore) | Defence Exports (Rs in crore) |
|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 46,200 | 686 |
| 2023-24 | 1,27,000 | 21,083 |
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Defence Production: An increase of 174% over the decade.
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Defence Exports: Exports grew by an astounding 30 times during the same period.
The Road to Self-Reliance: Initiatives that Made It Possible
India has long been one of the world’s largest arms importers, but recent years have seen a significant shift. Several strategic initiatives have played a crucial role in boosting domestic production and exports, including:
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Make in India: Encouraging domestic manufacturing of defence equipment.
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Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX): A platform to promote innovation and the development of new technologies within the defence sector.
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ADITI (Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX): This program is Aimed at advancing defence technologies and promoting self-sufficiency.
Domestic Manufacturing: The Backbone of India’s Defence Production
In the past, India relied heavily on imports to meet its defence needs, with nearly 65-70% of its equipment sourced from abroad. However, the tide has turned. Today, 65% of defence equipment is made domestically, thanks to the collaborative efforts between government-run Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), private companies, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
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DPSUs: 16 major public sector undertakings.
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Licensed Companies: Over 430 licensed defence manufacturers.
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MSMEs: Approximately 16,000 small and medium enterprises now contribute to the sector.
Private companies are now responsible for 21% of India’s total defence production, underscoring the growing role of the private sector.
Future Ambitions: A Target of Rs 3 Lakh Crore by 2029
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Defence has set an ambitious target of Rs 3 lakh crore in defence production by 2029. With continued innovation and investment, this goal could further strengthen India’s position in global defence markets.
Platforms Highlighting India’s Defence Prowess
India’s growing self-reliance is also reflected in its advanced defence platforms, which include:
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Dhanush Artillery Gun System
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Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS)
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Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun
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Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas
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Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)
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Akash Missile System
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Weapon Locating Radar
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3D Tactical Control Radar
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Software Defined Radio (SDR)
These platforms showcase India’s cutting-edge defence technology and the growing capabilities of domestic manufacturing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the current state of India’s defence production?
India’s defence production reached a record high of Rs 1.27 lakh crore in 2023-24, marking an impressive 174% growth since 2014-15.
2. How has defence exports performed over the years?
Defence exports surged by an astounding 30 times, from Rs 686 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 21,083 crore in 2023-24.
3. What are the major initiatives that contributed to this growth?
Key initiatives include Make in India, Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), and ADITI, which have been pivotal in boosting domestic production and technological innovation.
4. How much of India’s defence equipment is now made domestically?
India now manufactures 65% of its defence equipment domestically, a significant shift from its previous reliance on imports.
India’s defence sector is on the rise, with record-breaking growth in production and exports, positioning the country as a formidable player in global defence markets. With strong initiatives supporting self-reliance, the future looks promising as the nation strives to meet its ambitious target of Rs 3 lakh crore in defence production by 2029.
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Pari is a passionate writer known for captivating stories that blend imagination and reality. Inspired by travel, history, and everyday moments, Pari crafts narratives that resonate deeply with readers.