SOURCE: AFI
India’s defense exports have witnessed a meteoric rise, with the United States emerging as the primary destination for Indian-made defense goods. The government’s strategic focus on expanding defense exports to countries in Africa and other regions, coupled with easier lines of credit and diplomatic efforts, has significantly contributed to this growth.
According to recent data, defense exports in the first quarter of 2024-2025 surged by a staggering 78 percent compared to the previous year. The value of exports during this period reached Rs 6,915 crore, up from Rs 3,885 crore in the year-ago period.
A key driver behind this surge is the increasing reliance of American companies on Indian suppliers. These companies source over a billion dollars’ worth of systems, subsystems, and parts from India annually to meet their global supply chain needs and offset commitments.
Several Indian companies, including the Tata Group and Bengaluru-based Dynamatic Technologies, have played pivotal roles in this growth. Dynamatic Technologies has been manufacturing critical components for the Chinook heavy-lift helicopters and the P-8 Poseidon maritime reconnaissance aircraft. Similarly, Rossell Techsys has supplied parts for the AH-64 Apache and other Boeing platforms.
Boeing, a leading US defense company, has been a significant contributor to India’s defense exports. The Tata Boeing Aerospace Ltd (TBAL) joint venture, established in 2016, has been producing Apache fuselages and other components for Boeing’s aircraft.
Lockheed Martin, another major US defense company, has also partnered with the Tatas to drive India’s defense exports. The joint venture has become the sole global supplier of C-130 empennages.
The growth in India’s defense exports is a testament to the country’s growing capabilities in the defense manufacturing sector. It also highlights the increasing global demand for Indian-made defense products. As India continues to strengthen its defense industry, it is poised to become a major player in the global defense market.