Did you know India’s defence production has nearly tripled in a decade? For years, India was seen as one of the world’s biggest importers of military equipment. Today, the narrative is changing. The rise of Atmanirbhar Bharat defence manufacturing shows that the country is no longer limited to policies and prototypes. States like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana are proving that self-reliance is moving from paper to production lines.
As a defence enthusiast, I see this transformation unfold not just in press releases, but in buzzing workshops, expanding supply chains, and rising export figures. For readers who search “Is India really achieving self-reliance in defence?”, the answer is becoming clear, and the scale of change may surprise even seasoned observers.
India’s Manufacturing Turn: From Promises to Proof
For decades, India’s defence debate was dominated by imports and delays. Even when the Make in India defence industry push began in 2014, scepticism was high. But the latest production and export numbers prove that the momentum is real.
- ₹1.27 lakh crore defence production in FY 2023-24, compared to ₹46,429 crore in 2014-15.
- Defence exports touched ₹21,000 crore last year, and early estimates suggest ₹25,000 crore in FY 2024-25.
- Over 65% of procurement is now domestic, a big jump from just a few years ago.
This is the heart of India’s defence production 2025: no longer promises, but production at scale.
Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor: A Living Example
When users search for the UP Defence Corridor, they want to know if it is operational or just another plan. The reality is visible across Aligarh, Kanpur, Jhansi, and Chitrakoot, where the corridor is now active.
Here is what UP is producing:
- Drone parts and subsystems for surveillance and strike UAVs.
- Artillery and missile components for DRDO projects.
- Armoured vehicle structures for the Indian Army and exports.
With investments crossing ₹22,000 crore, this is more than the MoUs. Factories are running, contracts are being delivered, and young engineers are being trained. For me, UP demonstrates how Atmanirbhar Bharat defence manufacturing succeeds when state policy and industry align.
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Haryana Defence Industry: The Silent Strength
While UP makes headlines, the Haryana defence industry has built quiet momentum through private-sector leadership. In hubs like Gurugram and Manesar, companies are now producing:
- Avionics modules for helicopters and aircraft.
- Software-defined radios and radar systems for the armed forces.
- Drone propulsion units and AI-enabled UAV tech.
The contrast is clear. UP’s rise is state-driven, while Haryana’s is industry-driven. Together, they balance India’s defence ecosystem: UP brings scale, Haryana brings innovation.
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Reforms Powering the Change
India’s indigenous defence manufacturing growth is powered by key reforms:
- Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 prioritises Indian vendors.
- The Positive Indigenisation List bans imports of over 500 items.
- iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) funds MSMEs and startups.
- FDI reforms allow 74% foreign investment through the automatic route.
These policies gave confidence to DPSUs, MSMEs, and startups to invest and expand.
Defence Exports: India’s Global Reputation
One of the biggest surprises for many readers is that India now exports to more than 80 countries.
- Top exports: artillery guns, armoured vehicles, UAVs, radars, missile systems.
- Export value in 2024: US$2.8 billion, placing India among the top 25 global exporters.
- Target: ₹50,000 crore by 2029.
Exports are more than just numbers. They reflect global trust. Nations that once sold to India are now buyers from India.
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India vs Global Players: How Do We Compare?
When people search “India vs China defence production” or “India vs Turkey defence exports”, they want perspective.
- China still leads with far larger production, especially in engines and electronics.
- Turkey has built a strong UAV export base, but India is now catching up with platforms like Rudrastra UAV and Archer-NG.
- South Korea is ahead in naval shipbuilding, but India’s INS Arnala class and indigenous carriers show progress.
What sets India apart is the balance between scale and innovation, backed by both public-sector giants and private MSMEs.
MSMEs and Startups: The Hidden Backbone
The unsung heroes of this transformation are the 16,000+ MSMEs and startups now part of the supply chain.
They are building:
- AI-powered drones and counter-drone systems.
- Advanced composites and materials for lighter, stronger platforms.
- Micro-electronics and propulsion units for UAVs and missiles.
Through iDEX, startups that once worked in labs are now delivering directly to frontline units.
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Challenges Still Ahead
The mission is not complete. India still faces hurdles:
- Jet engines, stealth tech, and advanced sensors depend on imports.
- Semiconductor shortages disrupt defence electronics.
- Competing globally requires better certification and after-sales support.
But unlike in the past, these gaps are now openly acknowledged and actively targeted.
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Why This Shift Matters
The rise of Atmanirbhar Bharat defence manufacturing is about more than factories. It means:
- Strategic autonomy: India is less dependent on imports in a crisis.
- Economic growth: More jobs, more exports, more global influence.
- Innovation: Startups and MSMEs are designing systems for the future battlefield.
“India is not just planning for Atmanirbhar Bharat, it is manufacturing it today.”
My Perspective
As a defence enthusiast, I see UP and Haryana as two powerful models. UP shows the strength of state-backed infrastructure, while Haryana demonstrates the drive of private innovation. Together, they represent a maturing Indian defence industry.
For both new readers and long-time defence followers, the message is clear: India’s defence sector is no longer waiting for the future. The future is being built now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is Atmanirbhar Bharat defence manufacturing?
India’s mission is to achieve self-reliance by producing weapons, vehicles, UAVs, and electronics locally, rather than importing them.
Q2. Which states lead in India’s defence production?
Uttar Pradesh, with its Defence Industrial Corridor, and Haryana with its private-sector defence hubs, are currently leading.
Q3. How much does India export in defence?
India exported ₹21,000 crore in FY 2023-24 and aims to reach ₹50,000 crore by 2029.
Q4. What role do MSMEs play in India’s defence industry?
Over 16,000 MSMEs supply components, electronics, and AI systems, making them the backbone of indigenous defence manufacturing.
Q5. How does India compare to China and Turkey?
China leads in scale, Turkey in UAV exports, but India is building strength in both scale and diversity, with strong growth in exports and indigenous systems.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
India’s self-reliance in defence is no longer a dream. It is a process in motion, powered by states like UP and Haryana, startups, MSMEs, and bold reforms.
Do you believe India can achieve its ₹50,000 crore export target by 2029? Share your views in the comments.