The Ministry of Defence has achieved a significant milestone by successfully indigenising more than 15,700 defence items. This accomplishment has resulted in an estimated import substitution value of about ₹9,000 crores, underscoring the scale of India’s self-reliance drive in the defence sector.

The indigenisation effort is part of the broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities.

By focusing on critical components, sub-systems, and equipment, the Ministry has ensured that frontline platforms such as fighter aircraft, helicopters, tanks, warships, missiles, radars, and sonars are increasingly sustained by indigenous supply chains.

The SRIJAN Portal, launched in 2020, has played a pivotal role in this transformation. More than 33,000 defence items have been listed for indigenisation, with over 15,700 already indigenised.

This demonstrates steady progress in building domestic capacity and highlights the growing participation of Defence Public Sector Undertakings, private companies, MSMEs, and Start-Ups in the defence ecosystem.

The estimated ₹9,000 crores in import substitution reflects not only financial savings but also strategic autonomy. By reducing reliance on external suppliers, India has mitigated risks associated with global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainties. This achievement also strengthens the country’s ability to maintain operational readiness without external vulnerabilities.

The initiative has created new opportunities for Indian industry, particularly MSMEs and Start-Ups, which are now contributing to the design, development, and production of advanced defence technologies. This has broadened the industrial base and encouraged innovation, while simultaneously boosting employment and skill development in critical sectors.

The government’s phased approach, supported by Positive Indigenisation Lists and policy instruments such as the Defence Acquisition Procedure, has ensured that successive steps build upon each other. Each list has targeted strategically important items, gradually reshaping India’s defence production landscape and reinforcing the vision of technological independence.

India’s defence exports have also surged in parallel, with indigenous systems and components now being supplied to global markets. This shift from being a major importer to becoming a credible exporter reflects the growing competitiveness of Indian defence manufacturing. Export figures have touched record highs, with countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America showing interest in Indian platforms and systems.

The success of indigenisation is not without challenges. Critics have pointed out that some early-stage domestic production relied on imported kits or licensed assembly, often referred to as “Screwdrivergiri.” 

However, the steady move toward deeper component-level R&D and indigenous design has begun to address these concerns. The emphasis is now on achieving design sovereignty and reducing reliance on foreign intellectual property.

The cumulative impact of these efforts is evident in the sharp decline in foreign procurement for capital defence purchases. From nearly 49% in FY19, the share has dropped to about 12% in FY25, reflecting the aggressive push toward domestic manufacturing.

This transformation has been supported by budgetary allocations that ring-fence funds for local procurement, ensuring sustained demand for indigenous products.

India’s defence industry is now entering a new phase of growth, characterised by scale, sophistication, and resilience. The indigenisation of 15,700 items is not just a numerical achievement but a strategic milestone that strengthens national security, boosts economic growth, and enhances India’s global standing as a defence producer.

Agencies