India is on a determined path to achieve 100% self-reliance in its domestic defence production, a critical objective highlighted by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. He emphasized that depending on foreign military supplies poses a “strategic vulnerability” that India is committed to eliminating.
Speaking at an event in Nashik, Maharashtra, Mr. Singh underscored this commitment following the inauguration of a third production line for the advanced Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Mk1A and a second manufacturing facility for the HTT-40 trainer jet. These new facilities are expected to significantly boost production capabilities, with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) slated to produce at least 24 LCA aircraft.
Reflecting on past challenges, Mr. Singh noted, “There was a time when our nation was heavily reliant on other countries for its defence needs, with nearly 65-70% of defence equipment being imported. Today, this narrative has dramatically changed; India now proudly manufactures 65% of its defence requirements domestically.”
He confidently stated, “Very soon, we are poised to achieve 100% domestic manufacturing.”
Further demonstrating India’s growing prowess, Mr. Singh announced that the country’s defence exports have reached an impressive ₹25,000 crore—a monumental leap from less than ₹1,000 crore just a few years ago. Looking ahead, India has set an even more ambitious target: to achieve ₹3 lakh crore in domestic defence manufacturing and ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.