India strengthens its position as top defence exporter to Europe
India is emerging as a major supplier of defence equipment to European markets, with growing demand for ammunition and military supplies helping expand the country’s export footprint.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said India had become the third-largest exporter of arms to Europe, attributing the development partly to increased European procurement under the European Union’s ReArm Europe initiative and the growth of India’s domestic defence industry.
He said Indian defence exports had reached a record ₹38,424 crore, equivalent to approximately €3.6 billion. Demand for standard ammunition, artillery shells and ammunition of various calibres has been an important contributor to the rise in exports to Europe.
Singh also outlined the expansion of India’s defence manufacturing base over the past decade. The sector includes 16 major public-sector companies, around 840 large and medium-sized private enterprises and nearly 17,000 smaller businesses, including start-ups.
Indian manufacturers now supply defence-related products to more than 80 countries. Their offerings range from artillery systems and ammunition to small arms, protective helmets, bulletproof jackets and tactical equipment.
The government is also seeking to increase domestic participation in defence procurement. According to Singh, its objective is to direct 75% of annual defence capital expenditure, estimated at $20 billion to $25 billion, towards domestically produced equipment, with priority for products designed and developed in India.
Indian companies are attracting interest from international buyers, particularly in Southeast Asia, for equipment such as firearms, components and artillery systems.
Looking ahead, India intends to deepen defence cooperation with European countries through joint ventures, partnerships and greater integration of supply chains. Encouraging European manufacturers to establish production facilities in India under the Make in India initiative is another part of the strategy.
These efforts are expected to widen export opportunities while strengthening India’s domestic industrial capabilities and international defence partnerships.