# India's Defence Export Boom

> India's missile deals with Central Asian nations drive record defence exports to ₹38,424 crore in FY26.
- Title: India's Defence Export Boom · Financialexpress | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: india, defence exports, akash missile, central asia, armenia, tajikistan, turkmenistan, brahmos, fy26, defence production, rs 38424 crore, rs 50000 crore
- Source: Financialexpress — https://financialexpress.com/business/defence/indias-defence-export-boom-how-missile-deals-in-central-asia-are-driving-growth/4359431
- Author: Anwesha Mitra
- Published: 2026-10-12T12:49:03+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: india, defence exports, akash missile, central asia, armenia, tajikistan, turkmenistan, brahmos, fy26, defence production, rs 38424 crore, rs 50000 crore
## 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.
## Key takeaway

India's defence exports reached ₹38,424 crore in FY26, with Akash missiles sold to Armenia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.