Over the past few decades, India has made significant strides in developing its defense equipment including missiles, aircraft, naval vessels, and much more. It stands as the fourth most powerful military in the world and is currently exporting equipment to more than 100 countries in the world. According to a recent report, countries including the United States, France, and Armenia have emerged as the top three destinations for defense exports by India.
These countries collectively have achieved military sales totaling INR 21,083 crore from other countries including India in 2023-2024.
Armenia, the Largest Client of India for over 4 Years
Armenia is reportedly the largest client of finished weapon systems like Akash Air Defense Missile systems, Pinaka multi-launch rocket systems, and 155mm artillery guns, among others.
The country was the first buyer of the indigenously developed Akash air defense missiles, with an operational range of 25-30km. The missile can engage multiple targets simultaneously.
Over the previous four years, it has signed multiple agreements with India for the import of missiles, artillery guns, weapon-locating radars, rocket systems, bullet-proof vests, and night-version equipment. A wide range of ammunition and artillery shells were also imported to the country.
United States Imports Helicopters and Aircrafts from India
Meanwhile, the United States Defense companies mostly import helicopters and aircraft from India. The manufacturers include Lockheed Martin and Boeing in the USA.
France Importing Software and Electronic Systems
On the other hand, France is primarily focusing on software and electronic systems and is mostly importing software and electronic equipment from India.
Further, according to the reports from the Times of India, Brazil has also shown its interest in co-production and co-development of military equipment with India.
Some Asean countries and Gulf Nations have also approached the Indian government to acquire missiles like BrahMos. This missile has been co-developed by India with Russia. The demand for these precision-strike missiles increased after India signed a USD 375-million contract with the Philippines in January 2022 to supply BrahMos anti-ship coastal missile batteries.
India’s Development in Military Equipment Systems
India has been gradually growing its domestic defense industrial base (DIB). This step has been taken as a government’s push towards making India ‘Aatmanirbhar’ meaning self-reliant. The Government has set a target of INR 3 Lakh crore by 2028-29, along with the export of arms worth INR 50,000 crore.
Till now, India’s defense industrial base has been expanded to over 430 licensed companies and 16,000 MSMEs, which is around three times the increase since 2014-15. There’s a 21% contribution from India’s private sector.
Kanishka Malhotra is a seasoned journalist with a deep passion for reporting and uncovering the truth. With a specialization in research and investigative Journalism, she has covered wide range of topics related to social issues, travel, lifestyle, technology, Entertainment and much more. She believes to express and share her creativity to the world through words. With relentless pursuit of knowing and uncovering the truth, Kanishka continues to leave a mark in the world of journalism.
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