At Aero India 2025, the largest air show in Asia, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke of India’s remarkable transformation into a self-reliant defence powerhouse. His speech at the indigenisation event and valedictory ceremony at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, resonated with pride and optimism, as he detailed the exponential growth in indigenous defence manufacturing and emphasized the country’s success in building advanced missile systems.
Singh’s passionate address was a call to recognize the massive shift in India’s defence strategy, from being an import-dependent nation to a global exporter of many military technologies. His reference to “Energy, energy, and energy” captured the essence of the show, reflecting the growth of India’s missile systems, fighter jets, and naval vessels.
“From small weapons to advanced missile systems like BrahMos and Akash, we are supplying military equipment to several countries,” Singh said. He credited the defence industry’s leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers for their contribution to establishing India as a trusted global defence partner.
From Import Dependence to Missile Powerhouse
India has always relied heavily on imports for nearly 70% of its defence requirements, especially from its all-weather friend Russia. But given the current geopolitical situation, the country with its reliance on defence imports, the nation is left vulnerable to external dependencies for national security.
But the turnaround, as noted by Defence Minister Singh, 70% of India’s defence production is now domestic, which he said was a demonstration of the success of the government’s Make in India initiative. Central to this transformation is the indigenous development of missile systems, which are now being exported globally.
The Rise of BrahMos and Akash
BrahMos and Akash, two flagship missile systems, represent the pinnacle of India’s defence manufacturing capability.
The BrahMos, a joint venture between India and Russia, is recognized as the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile. Capable of speeds up to Mach 3, BrahMos has a range of over 500 km and can be launched from land, sea, air, and underwater platforms. Its high accuracy and versatility have made it a preferred weapon for India’s armed forces and an attractive export product for several countries.
The Akash missile system is another major success story. An all-weather, medium-range surface-to-air missile, Akash is capable of intercepting multiple aerial threats, including fighter jets and cruise missiles. With a range of 25–30 km and the ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously, Akash is a proof of India’s growing expertise in air defence systems.
These missile systems have strengthened India’s defence capabilities and opened new avenues for defence exports, helping the country build strategic partnerships across the globe.
Showing-Off with Aero India 2025
The scale and energy of Aero India 2025 reflected the confidence and ambition of India’s defence industry. Singh described the event as “historic and unmatched,” praising the enthusiasm of Indian startups, entrepreneurs, and global defence companies.
India’s shift from being an importer to an exporter of defence technology was a recurring theme in Singh’s speech. He credited the Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), licensed private companies, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for building a strong defence ecosystem. “Today, we have a strong defence industrial complex comprising 16 DPSUs, 430 licensed companies, and around 16,000 MSMEs,” Singh noted. He highlighted the growing role of the private sector, which now accounts for 21% of total defence production.
The government’s recent policy measures and reforms have been instrumental in encouraging indigenous design, development, and production. Defence Minister Singh pointed out that many global defence companies are now willing to share critical defence and aerospace expertise with India, thanks to the country’s proven capabilities and growing reputation as a reliable partner.
India’s Growth as a Defence Exporter
In the financial year 2023-24, India’s defence exports reached a record Rs 21,083 crore ($2.63 billion), marking a 32.5% increase compared to the previous year. Over the past decade, defence exports have grown 31-fold, making India one of the fastest-growing defence exporters in the world.
India’s export portfolio includes a wide range of defence products, from small arms and surveillance systems to advanced missile systems like BrahMos and Akash. These exports not only generate significant revenue but also help India build strategic partnerships with friendly nations.
Countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America have shown keen interest in acquiring Indian-made defence systems, recognizing their high quality and cost-effectiveness compared to Western alternatives. This growing demand for Indian defence products has also improved the country’s geopolitical influence.
Geopolitics of India’s Missile Strategy
India’s missile export strategy, particularly with the BrahMos, is a key component of its broader Indo-Pacific policy. The Indo-Pacific region has become a geopolitical hotspot, with many nations vying for dominance. India’s decision to export BrahMos to countries like the Philippines and Vietnam enhances regional security and provides a credible deterrent against aggressive actions, especially from China.
The Philippines was the first foreign customer for BrahMos, signing a $375 million deal in 2022 for a coastal defence system. This deal signalled India’s willingness to support regional partners in strengthening their maritime defence capabilities.
Vietnam, another strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific, is poised to ink a $700 million deal to procure Brahmos. This would set the stage for a new chapter in India-Vietnam defence relations. The sale of such advanced weaponry to Vietnam would bolster its defensive posture in the South China Sea.
India’s missile exports even extend beyond the Indo-Pacific to regions like Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, where countries are seeking reliable and cost-effective defence solutions.
Many African nations have shown interest in India’s products, particularly Akash missile systems and surveillance technology. These exports are very important for strengthening India-Africa ties and expanding its influence on the continent.
With growing economic and strategic interests in Latin America, India’s defence exports could serve as a bridge for deeper engagement in this resource-rich region.
India’s defence exports have grown with missile systems leading the charge. By positioning itself as a defence export hub, India is generating significant revenue and creating strategic dependencies with importing countries. This will push India’s soft power and diplomatic leverage in multilateral forums and make it a more influential global player.
The Domestic Defence Ecosystem
India’s rapid progress in defence manufacturing is the result of policy reforms, public-private partnerships, and more investments in research and development (even though they still lack significantly). Defence Minister Singh’s emphasis on the role of MSMEs and private companies highlights a critical shift in India’s defence ecosystem, from a state-controlled model to a more collaborative and competitive environment.
India’s defence sector has long been dominated by DPSUs like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). These organizations continue to play a big role in large-scale production and R&D. But the rise of the private sector has been a big game-changer. It has injected fresh innovation and efficiency into the ecosystem.
Data Points and Policy Reforms
- India now has 430 licensed defence companies and 16,000 MSMEs contributing to defence production.
- 21% of total defence production comes from private sector companies.
- Eased FDI limits in defence production, allowing up to 74% through the automatic route.
- Simplified procurement processes and faster clearances for private sector participation.
- Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) to support startups and innovation through grants and technology incubators.
Dawn of an Era
India is developing several defence manufacturing hubs across the country, focusing on aerospace, missiles, and naval systems. For example, the Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor is a major hub for aerospace and missile production. Similarly, the Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor has also proven to be a unique arrow in the quiver, focusing on naval systems and advanced electronics. These hubs are designed to attract foreign investment, promote collaboration with global defence giants, and build an integrated defence supply chain.
India’s focus on missile systems and defence exports is part of a larger strategy to achieve self-reliance while expanding its geopolitical influence. The combination of indigenous innovation, strategic diplomacy, and an evolving domestic ecosystem has put India on a path to becoming a global defence leader. Although it is fair to say that it is a long way from achieving this milestone. In the words of Robert Frost – there are miles to go before I sleep.
Maintaining this balance will require sustained policy support, strong export controls, and continued collaboration between the public and private sectors. Aero India 2025 has showcased India’s potential, but the real challenge lies in turning this potential into sustained global leadership.
Minister Singh’s speech at Aero India 2025 was a celebration of India’s remarkable journey in the sector, particularly its success in building indigenous missile systems. From being heavily dependent on imports to becoming a global missile exporter, India’s transformation is a proof to the country’s technological prowess and policy vision.
As India continues to invest in missile development and expand its defence exports, it is poised to play a more significant role in the global defence market. This journey is aiming for self-reliance or ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ while positioning India as a leader in defence innovation and strategic diplomacy.
Aero India 2025 has set the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come, and the world is watching as India rises as a true missile power and a trusted global defence partner.
