New Delhi — Defence Minister Rajnary Singh told reporters that the Indian defence industry’s domestic production has risen sharply, reaching more than ₹1.78 lakh crore (approximately $21 billion) this year, up from roughly ₹46,000 crore (about $5.5 billion) eight to nine years ago. Singh attributed the surge to “Operation Sindoor,” a recent joint exercise that he said boosted confidence in “Made‑in‑India” platforms across the armed forces.
The minister highlighted several indigenous projects that have entered service, including the Tejas fighter jet, the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) and the Arjun‑Mk II main battle tank. He said the exercise demonstrated the operational readiness of these systems and reinforced the government’s push for self‑reliance in defence procurement.
Singh also noted that the government’s “Strategic Partnership” model, which encourages private sector participation in defence manufacturing, has helped expand the domestic industrial base. He pledged continued support for research and development, citing upcoming projects such as the indigenous aircraft carrier and new generation missile systems.
Analysis: Singh’s remarks come as India seeks to reduce its reliance on foreign arms amid heightened regional tensions and supply‑chain disruptions. The reported growth in domestic production, if verified, would mark a significant shift in the country’s defence procurement strategy, which has traditionally depended on imports. However, independent data on the exact contribution of indigenous versus foreign‑made components remain limited, and some analysts caution that the overall value of contracts may still include substantial foreign content. Observers will be watching whether the increased production translates into greater export potential for Indian defence firms, a goal outlined in the “Make‑in‑India” initiative.
Sources
– “After Operation Sindoor, trust in ‘made‑in‑India’ defence platforms got enhanced: Rajnath Singh,” The Hindu, July 5 2026. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/after-operation-sindoor-trust-in-made-in-india-defence-platforms-got-enhanced-rajnath-singh/article71182451.ece
Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
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