Through consistent policy initiatives of the government and tremendous contribution of the defence industry, India exported military hardware worth £1.59 billion in the financial year 2022-23, almost £300 million more than the previous financial year. It a rise of over 10 times since 2016-17, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attributing the surge to enthusiasm for Make in India, and key reforms to spur growth in the sector.
“India is now exporting to over 85 countries. Indian industry has shown its capability of design and development to the world, with 100 firms exporting defence products at present," the Ministry of Defence said. “The rising defence exports and participation of 104 countries in Aero India 2023 are proof of India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities," it added.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh termed it as a remarkable achievement of the country. “Today, India, which was known as an importer about eight years back, exports major platforms like Dornier-228, 155 mm advanced towed artillery guns (ATAGs), Brahmos missiles, Akash missile system, radars, simulators, mine protected vehicles, armoured vehicles, Pinaka rockets & launchers, ammunitions, thermal imagers, body armours, line replaceable units and parts & components of avionics and small arms. There is growing global demand of LCA-Tejas, light combat helicopters, aircraft carrier, MRO activities etc.
To give a push to defence exports, government has taken a number of policy initiatives and brought reforms over the last 5-6 years. Export procedures have been simplified and made industry friendly with end-to-end online export authorisation curtailing delays and bringing ease of doing business.
The government has notified three Open General Export License (OGEL) for export of parts and components/transfer of technology/major platforms and equipment. “OGEL is one-time export license, which permits the industry to export specified items to specified destinations, enumerated in the OGEL, without seeking export authorisation during the validity of the OGEL," the ministry said.