From Financialexpress · Anwesha Mitra · · 3m
India's Defence Export Boom
India's missile deals with Central Asian nations drive record defence exports to ₹38,424 crore in FY26.
In brief
India's missile deals with Central Asian nations drive record defence exports to ₹38,424 crore in FY26. India's defence exports reached ₹38,424 crore in FY26, with Akash missiles sold to Armenia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Originally reported by Financialexpress.
India's defence export surge
India has emerged as a growing global defence exporter, with exports rising 62.16% year on year to a record Rs 38.424 crore in FY26.
Government targets ₹50,000 crore exports
The Indian government aims for ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029, with private sector contributing 45.16% of FY26 exports.
Defence self-sufficiency progress
The Indian Army achieved 91% self-sufficiency by indigenizing 159 out of 175 ammunition variants in its inventory.
Missile deals in Central Asia
India has signed deals for BrahMos missiles with the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia, with Akash missiles exported to Armenia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
BrahMos export potential
The top official expects $100 million exports to Vietnam and $200 million to Indonesia for BrahMos missiles, with the system proven in battle during Operation Sindoor.
Akash missile system
The Akash air defense system engages supersonic targets at ranges up to 25 to 30 km using ramjet propulsion and command guidance.
Armenia's shift from Russia
Armenia has shifted from Russian arms after Azerbaijan's victory in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War, with India now supplying 43% of its arms imports between 2022 and 2024.
Central Asia's defence shift
Central Asia and the South Caucasus are diversifying from Russian arms after Ukraine's invasion, with demand for modern systems growing.
Russia's declining influence
Russian arms imports to Central Asia fell 23% between 2021 and 2023, with Moscow struggling to sustain heavy demand beyond its own war requirements.
Turkmenistan's military shift
Turkmenistan unveiled Chinese-made air defense systems during a military parade in September, with Akash missiles expected to complement them.
Tajikistan's reliance on Russia
Tajikistan remains heavily reliant on Russia for border security against Afghanistan, with Moscow maintaining a large military deployment in Dushanbe and Bokhtar.
Geopolitical implications
India's entry into Central Asia creates tension with China over overlapping interests in the region as a buffer for Xinjiang and the Belt and Road Initiative.
Russia-India military ties
India and Russia have long military ties, with Russia supplying 50% of Indian military hardware and a $5.5 billion S-400 contract signed in 2018.
What happens next
India aims to become a major global arms exporter, with Central Asia's shifting defence market creating opportunities for further deals.
The headline
India's defence exports reached ₹38,424 crore in FY26, with Akash missiles sold to Armenia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
