Defence production is expected to touch ₹1.60 lakh crore in 2025-26 from the existing ₹1.27 crore, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday.
Addressing the media on the eve of Aero India 2025, Rajnath Singh also said that defence exports have crossed a record ₹21,000 crore this year, and by the end of 2025-26, it’s likely to surpass ₹30,000 crore.
The five-day long 16th edition of biennial Aero India 2025 is taking place at Yelahanka Indian Air Force station in Bengaluru, with participation expected from over 900 exhibitors, including around 150 foreign exhibitors.
“When it comes to defence manufacturing, I am delighted to share that our domestic defence production has surpassed a record ₹1.27 lakh crore. By the end of 2025-26, we expect this figure to exceed ₹1.60 lakh crore. Additionally, our defence exports have also crossed a record ₹21,000 crore, and by the end of 2025-26, we anticipate this figure to surpass ₹30,000 crore,” Singh said.
Adding to the growth figures shared by Defence Minister, Secretary of Defence Production Sanjeev Kumar noted that the Ministry is streamlining export authorisations and other administrative processes to give a fillip to arms exports.
He also stated that government’s confidence of meeting export targets comes from the ability of defence PSUs and private sector which have been coming up with quality products. Other than that, Indian defence products are getting good reception globally, he added.
In his address to media, Singh informed that the government has taken a “resolve” to produce Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a twin engine multi-role, indigenously.
The DRDO, which is behind conceptualisation and development of the next generation aircraft, will be displaying a prototype of AMCA at the Aero India.
Interestingly, Russians and Americans have displayed their 5th general stealth aircraft, SU-57 and F-35 respectively, at the Aero India and both the jets will participate in flypast during the event.
As India moves towards becoming an economic superpower, the role of the defence industrial sector is becoming even more crucial, the Minister said.
“Every achievement in the defence sector not only strengthens our national security but also has a large-scale impact on the economy. The technologies developed for defence applications often go beyond just military use. They frequently lead to innovations in the civilian area as well. These advancements contribute to employment generation and accelerate economic development, making the defence sector a key driver of India’s economic growth,” observed Singh.
Organised in a total area of over 42,000 square metre, the event is set to be the biggest-ever Aero India so far.
“Defence ministers, representatives from about 30 countries have come to participate in this event. The presence of Air Chiefs and Secretaries from 43 countries further highlights the significance of this event — not just for India, but for the entire international defence community,” he said.