SOURCE: AFI
In a notable shift in global defence dynamics, several European Union (EU) countries are exploring the procurement of Indian-made weapons systems, including small arms, ammunition, and major defence platforms, to bolster their military modernization efforts. This development, gaining traction as of March 1, 2025, follows a stern warning from the 47th U.S. President, Donald Trump, urging EU nations to ramp up their weapons purchases to strengthen NATO and enhance collective security. With Trump’s push amplifying pressure on Europe to reduce reliance on U.S. arms and diversify suppliers, India’s burgeoning defence industry has emerged as an attractive option for cost-effective, reliable solutions.
During a series of statements in early 2025, President Trump reiterated his long-standing critique of NATO allies, particularly in the EU, for not meeting defence spending targets and over-relying on American military hardware. He warned that the U.S. might scale back its security commitments unless European nations significantly increased their weapons acquisitions, a stance that echoes his first term’s rhetoric but now carries added weight amid heightened geopolitical tensions with Russia and China. Posts on X from February 2025 reflect a mix of concern and defiance in Europe, with some leaders acknowledging the need for self-reliance while others criticize Trump’s approach as coercive.
The EU, already grappling with the fallout of Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine and a need to replenish depleted arsenals, faces a dual challenge: boosting defence budgets and fostering a more autonomous industrial base. A September 2024 report by former European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi highlighted that EU countries spend nearly two-thirds of their defence procurement budgets on U.S. equipment, urging a pivot toward European and alternative suppliers. India, with its rapidly expanding defence export portfolio and competitive pricing, has caught the attention of EU states seeking to diversify and modernize.
India’s defence sector, bolstered by the Make in India initiative, has transitioned from being the world’s largest arms importer to an emerging exporter, with exports reaching ?21,083 crore ($2.63 billion) in FY 2022-23 and growing steadily since. The country’s offerings—ranging from small arms and ammunition to sophisticated systems like missiles and artillery—align well with the EU’s modernization needs, particularly for nations seeking “value arms” that balance cost and capability.
Several factors make Indian weapons systems appealing to the EU. First, cost-effectiveness is a major draw. Indian platforms like Akash and BrahMos are significantly cheaper than their U.S. or European equivalents, allowing cash-strapped EU nations to stretch their defence budgets further. For instance, the Akash system, priced at roughly $50 million per battery, contrasts sharply with the $1 billion-plus cost of a Patriot system, making it a viable option for smaller militaries.
Second, sourcing from India reduces dependence on the U.S., aligning with the EU’s push for strategic autonomy. The Draghi report emphasized consolidating European demand while integrating non-EU suppliers, and India fits this model as a democratic partner with a growing industrial base. Unlike China, another potential low-cost supplier, India’s geopolitical stance—balancing relations with the West and Russia—poses fewer ideological or security risks for EU buyers.
Third, India’s willingness to offer technology transfers and co-production deals sweetens the proposition. Companies like Tata Advanced Systems and Reliance Defence have experience collaborating with global firms, a model that could appeal to EU nations like Germany or France looking to bolster their own defence industries through joint ventures.
Poland, a NATO frontline state, is among the most proactive in exploring Indian options. Already spending heavily on modernization—$1.5 billion on Swedish Carl Gustaf rifles in 2024—Warsaw is reportedly considering Indian artillery shells and small arms to complement its diverse procurement strategy. Romania, another Eastern European nation bolstering its defences, has shown interest in Akash as a supplement to its French Mistral missiles. Meanwhile, Baltic states like Estonia and Latvia, focused on rapid rearmament, are eyeing Indian ammunition and drones, such as those produced by Solar Industries, to enhance their deterrence posture.
Western European powers like France and Germany, while committed to their domestic industries, might leverage Indian partnerships for specific components or joint R&D, especially in emerging fields like drones and electronic warfare systems. The EU’s estimated €500 billion defence investment need over the next decade, as noted by the European Commission, provides ample room for such collaborations.
Despite the enthusiasm, challenges remain. India’s defence export infrastructure is still maturing, and its $2.63 billion annual export figure pales beside heavyweights like the U.S. ($200 billion) or France ($15 billion). Ensuring timely delivery and meeting EU quality standards will be critical to sustaining interest. Additionally, integrating Indian systems into NATO frameworks could face technical and interoperability hurdles, though India’s prior sales to Armenia and Egypt demonstrate adaptability.
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