India’s defence production has reached an unprecedented high of Rs 1,50,590 crore in the Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, marking an impressive 18% growth from the previous year and a remarkable 90% increase since FY 2019-20. This achievement has been attributed to the collective efforts of the Department of Defence Production, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), and private industry stakeholders, with the latter now contributing 23% to total production, up from 21% last fiscal. The commendable growth trajectory reflects the government’s push for self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aiming to reduce import dependency and bolster the domestic defence industrial complex. Additionally, defence exports surged to a record Rs 23,622 crore in FY 2024-25, demonstrating India’s growing capacity in the global defence market. DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat expressed confidence in achieving a target of Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2028-29, fueled by increased global interest in Indian systems like Pinaka and BrahMos. This collective momentum underscores a transformative phase in India’s defence sector, driven by policy reforms, enhanced ease of doing business, and strategic indigenisation efforts, positioning India as a burgeoning hub for defence manufacturing and export capabilities that promise sustained growth in the coming years.