Paper Details

India’s defence manufacturing sector has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, driven by policy initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 and the Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020. Despite notable progress in domestic production and exports, India continues to face structural challenges, including technological dependence, limited research and development capacity and integration gaps within global defence supply chains. This paper examines the future prospects of India’s defence manufacturing industry and proposes a comprehensive strategic roadmap for achieving technological self-reliance and global competitiveness by 2040. This research paper focuses on three key dimensions: the role of emerging technologies, the expansion of defence exports and India’s positioning in global arms markets and the importance of domestic–global industrial integration through foreign investment, technology transfer and public–private partnerships. This paper highlights the growing contribution of private sector firms, start-ups and defence industrial corridors in strengthening India’s defence ecosystem. The paper concludes with policy recommendations, including the formulation of a National Defence Industrial Strategy, increased defence R&D investment, expansion of export promotion mechanisms and strengthening of human capital development.

Defence Manufacturing, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Strategic Autonomy, Defence Exports, Military Technology, Defence Industrial Policy