The Indian defense sector has achieved an unprecedented level of growth in the fiscal year 2024-25, with defense production reaching a record high. The total value of defense production reached 150,590 crore rupees, marking an impressive 18% increase compared to the previous year and a substantial 90% rise since 2019-20. The Defense Minister acknowledged this accomplishment. He appreciated the efforts of DPSUs, public sector entities, and private industries. He noted that this achievement is a testament to the continuous strengthening of the nation’s defense industrial base. The Minister commended the ‘collective efforts’, calling it a ‘historic achievement.’ The Defense Minister emphasized that the increasing progress in defense production indicates the robust growth of India’s defense industrial base. The Public sector and DPSUs accounted for 77% of this defense production, with the private sector contributing 23%, up from 21% the previous year. This growth was aided by policy reforms, ease of business operations, and the emphasis on indigenous manufacturing. DPSUs saw their production increase by 16%, and the private sector saw a 28% increase this year. Defense exports also reached a new high of 23,622 crore rupees, which is 2,539 crore rupees more than the previous year. The government is committed to lowering import dependence and building a defense industry that not only fulfills India’s needs but also competes globally. In the fiscal year 2024-25, defense production reached a new peak, reaching 1,50,590 crore rupees, representing an 18% increase when compared to 1.27 lakh crore rupees in the 2023-24 fiscal year. In 2019-20, the figure was 79,071 crore rupees, showing a significant 90% increase within five years.
