India’s defence manufacturing sector is on track to exceed ₹1.6 lakh crore in production value this year, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Thursday.
Speaking at the Defence Conclave 2025, Force of the Future, organised by The Week, Defence Minister Singh outlined a forward-looking strategy to transform India into a global defence powerhouse.
“Our defence production should cross ₹1.60 lakh crore this year. We are targeting ₹3 lakh crore worth of defence equipment production by 2029,” Defence Minister Singh said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the push is not merely about boosting numbers, but about transforming India into a self-reliant, globally competitive defence hub.
The plan aims to drastically reduce dependency on foreign imports and strengthen India’s indigenous military capabilities.
The Minister reiterated that India’s growing military strength serves as a credible deterrent, not as a threat to others.
“Our defence capabilities are meant to maintain peace and stability, not provoke confrontation. Peace is possible only when we remain strong,” Rajnath Singh stressed.
He expressed confidence in India’s future, stating, “The day is not far when India will not only become a developed nation but also emerge as the world’s number one military power.”
India’s defence exports are also expected to hit new milestones.
Rajnath Singh said the government aims to reach ₹30,000 crore in defence exports in 2025 and ₹50,000 crore by 2029.
“We want India to play a key role in global defence supply chains through innovation, flexibility, and strategic partnerships,” he said.
Rajnath Singh highlighted major reforms like the restructuring of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), one of the oldest arms of India’s defence sector.
“Ordnance Factories are now performing efficiently and have turned profitable. Reforming a 200-year-old structure is one of this century’s biggest achievements,” he noted.
The reform aims to inject efficiency, transparency, and profitability into an institution long seen as outdated.
The Defence Ministry released five positive indigenisation lists for the Armed Forces and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), mandating domestic production of specified equipment under a phased plan.
“The services will now manufacture 509 items within India,” Defence Minister Singh stated. “Additionally, DPSUs will locally produce 5,012 items, including vital subsystems, spares, and components.”
This step is part of the government’s broader ‘Make in India’ push in the defence sector.
The government has reserved 75% of the defence capital procurement budget for domestic companies to support indigenous production and reduce reliance on global supply chains.
“India’s defence sector is not only becoming self-reliant but is also ready to strengthen global supply chain resilience,” Rajnath Singh said.
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