NEW DELHI – In a powerful affirmation of India’s growing self-reliance in defence Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced an ambitious target to double the country’s defence manufacturing output to ₹3 lakh crore and boost exports to ₹50,000 crore by 2028-29.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of new production lines for key aircraft at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) facility in Nashik, signalling a new chapter for a plant once dedicated to Russian fighter jets.
A “Flight of Self-Reliance” from Importing to Exporting
The minister set the stage by highlighting India’s dramatic transformation. “A decade ago, we were importing 65-70 per cent of our critical military hardware. Today, we manufacture 65 per cent of our defence equipment domestically. And we are committed to making it 100 per cent in the future,” Singh asserted.
He traced the journey from a state of high import dependency to a flourishing domestic sector. The numbers tell a compelling story:
- Defence Production: Surged from ₹46,429 crore in 2014-15 to over ₹1.5 lakh crore in 2024-25.
- Defence Exports: Skyrocketed from under ₹1,000 crore to ₹25,000 crore in the same period.
The new targets aim to build on this momentum, pushing India into the league of major global defence manufacturers.
Nashik: A Symbol of Strategic Resurgence
The backdrop for this major announcement was symbolic. The minister inaugurated the third production line for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A and the second production line for the Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) at HAL’s Nashik facility.
He hailed the first public flight of the LCA Mk1A from Nashik as a “flight of self-reliance” and a “shining symbol” of India’s indigenous capabilities. This facility, historically a hub for Russian MiG and Sukhoi aircraft, is now a cornerstone of India’s domestic fighter jet production.
Preparing for Future Warfare and Boosting Jobs
Acknowledging the rapidly changing nature of conflict, Rajnath Singh urged HAL to expand its focus to include unmanned systems, next-generation aircraft, and civil aviation, emphasizing the importance of AI, cyber warfare, and drone technology.
The expansion is also a significant economic driver. HAL’s Chairman, Dr. DK Sunil, stated that the new production lines have already created around 1,000 jobs and fostered the development of over 40 industry partners in the Nashik region.
The minister also praised HAL’s critical role during Operation Sindoor, where its 24/7 support enabled the Indian Air Force to successfully deploy BrahMos-equipped Su-30 jets, proving that India can protect itself with its own equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are India’s new defence production and export targets?
India aims to achieve ₹3 lakh crore in annual defence manufacturing and ₹50,000 crore in annual defence exports by the year 2028-29.
2. What is the current level of defence production and exports?
For the 2024-25 financial year, defence production stands at over ₹1.5 lakh crore, while exports have reached ₹25,000 crore.
3. How much has India’s defence sector grown in the last decade?
Defence production has more than tripled from ₹46,429 crore in 2014-15, and exports have grown over 25 times from under ₹1,000 crore.
4. What is the significance of the HAL Nashik facility?
The Nashik plant, which previously manufactured Russian jets like the MiG and Sukhoi, is now a hub for indigenous aircraft. It now hosts new production lines for the LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter jet and the HTT-40 trainer aircraft, symbolizing India’s strategic shift to self-reliance.
5. What did the Defence Minister say about future warfare?
He stressed that India must stay ahead in Artificial Intelligence (AI), cyber warfare, drone systems, and next-generation aircraft to be prepared for the multi-faceted future of conflict.
6. What is the ‘Make in India’ progress in defence?
The minister stated that domestic manufacturing now accounts for 65% of defence equipment, a complete reversal from a decade ago when 65-70% was imported. The goal is to reach 100% indigenisation in the future.
7. How is this expansion creating jobs?
The new production lines at HAL Nashik have directly created approximately 1,000 jobs and boosted the local industrial ecosystem by developing over 40 partner companies.
