Indian Defence Exports
Two months after India launched a precision strike into Pakistan and got a swift retaliation as well during Operation Sindoor, the country has intensified efforts to export its indigenous weapons. The timing is no coincidence.
The Modi government is using the operational success as a springboard to project Indian-made military systems onto the global stage. Under the “Make in India” initiative, the focus keyword—”India accelerates defense exports after Pakistan strikes showcase weaponry”—has gained significant attention in both government and industry circles.
India’s defense industry, led by established firms like BrahMos Aerospace and emerging players like Raphe mPhibr, is aligning its combat credibility with its export ambitions. BrahMos missiles reportedly struck key Pakistani positions during the operation, highlighting the strategic potency of Indian-developed arms.
Drone Start-ups and VC Confidence Surge
Start-ups like Raphe mPhibr have capitalized on the increased visibility following the operation. In June, General Catalyst led a $100 million funding round for the drone manufacturer, resulting in a valuation close to $1 billion. The company’s mR10 and mR10-IC drones, capable of swarm operations and vertical take-off, mirrored the models reportedly deployed in Operation Sindoor.
According to Raphe’s CEO, Vivek Mishra, “If Indian forces are satisfied using these drones in hostile terrain, it validates their export potential.” Clearly, India accelerates defense exports after Pakistan strikes, showcasing weaponry that is no longer a policy slogan—it’s a validated commercial path.
Defence Minister Confirms Export Goals
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh reinforced the push on July 8, noting a surge in global demand following Operation Sindoor. “Our indigenous equipment demonstrated exceptional capability,” he stated. India aims to more than double its defense exports, targeting ₹500 billion ($5.8 billion) by 2029, up from ₹236 billion in the last fiscal year.
This ambition supports the broader strategic goal of making India accelerate defense exports after Pakistan strikes the showcase weapons as a sustainable defense industrial strategy.
Private Sector’s Expanding Role
Since 2014, Prime Minister Modi has opened the defense sector to private players. Giants like Adani, Tata, Mahindra, and Larsen & Toubro now play vital roles. Tata, for example, assembles Airbus C295 aircraft and Apache helicopter fuselages. Adani Defence, in partnership with Israel’s Elbit Systems, manufactures Hermes drones and anti-submarine systems.
During Adani’s annual meeting, Chairman Gautam Adani highlighted the effectiveness of their drones and anti-drone systems during Operation Sindoor. These platforms functioned as both “eyes in the skies” and “swords of attack,” bolstering the argument that India ramps up defense exports following a Pakistani strike, showcasing weaponry now supported by corporate success stories.
Growing Global Footprint
India’s overseas defense contracts are gradually increasing. In 2022, the Philippines signed a $375 million contract for BrahMos anti-ship missiles. Ongoing negotiations with Vietnam and Indonesia signal expanding interest. India is also promoting the Akash system for air defense and Bharat Electronics’ Swathi radars to partner nations.
An official confirmed that India prefers government-to-government sales. These arrangements ensure strategic trust and ease export processes. “We’re not aggressively marketing specific weapons,” he clarified. Yet, the performance in Pakistan has provided the best advertisement.
Previous Deals Set the Stage
Even before Operation Sindoor, India secured key export deals. Armenia, for example, bought Swathi radars, Pinaka rockets, and Akash systems for nearly $60 million. These victories further prove that India accelerates defense exports after Pakistan strikes. Showcasing weaponry is not just rhetoric—it’s operationalized policy.
However, challenges remain. India lost a major bid to South Korea in 2023 for supplying Tejas fighter jets to Malaysia, underscoring the need to build a stronger global track record.
Export Market Vital to Defence Sustainability
The necessity also propels India’s defense export drive. Domestic procurement budgets are constrained, making international orders essential for industrial viability. Solar Industries, traditionally an explosives manufacturer, has entered the UAV market. Half of its $1.7 billion order book now comes from global clients.
Bharat Forge, known for its howitzers, also sees global markets as key. Joint MD Amit Kalyani recently said, “New geographies will open up this year,” emphasizing that India accelerates defense exports after the Pakistan strike showcases weaponry, which is a theme echoed across boardrooms.
Conclusion
India’s successful demonstration of combat capability during Operation Sindoor has catalyzed a new phase in its defense export strategy. As Indian arms prove their mettle on the battlefield, New Delhi is positioning itself as a credible supplier of advanced, indigenous weapon systems. With a robust pipeline, global interest, and government support, India accelerates defense exports after the Pakistan strike demonstrates that weaponry is now both policy and reality.
References
- Financial Times
- Defence News
- Hindustan Times
- Indian Ministry of Defence
- Jane’s Defense
