NEW DELHI — India’s defence sector has entered a new phase of self‑reliance, a trend underscored by a fact sheet released by the Press Information Bureau on 27 September 2026. The document lists a series of milestones in indigenous manufacturing, from aircraft to naval platforms, and frames them within the broader context of national security. It also notes that the country’s defence production capacity has expanded in the last decade, a development that the Ministry of Defence has linked to the ‘Make in India’ initiative and the Defence Procurement Procedure reforms.
In a statement accompanying the fact sheet, the Ministry said that the increase in domestic production is part of a long‑term strategy to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. The document lists several key projects, including the indigenous fighter aircraft, the naval frigate programme, and the development of advanced missile systems. It also highlights the role of public‑private partnerships in scaling up production lines and the establishment of new defence manufacturing hubs across the country.
Strategic Tie‑Ups with the United States
The fact sheet notes that India’s defence ties with the United States have deepened in recent years. The two countries have conducted joint exercises, most notably Yudh Abhyas 2026, which was held in the eastern sector of the country. The exercise, described by the Ministry as a “platform for interoperability,” involved air, naval and ground forces from both nations and included live‑fire drills and joint command simulations.
According to an independent report by The Indian Awaaz, US Ambassador Sergio Gor praised the growing partnership during a briefing with Indian defence officials. The report states that Ambassador Gor highlighted the importance of joint exercises and technology transfer in strengthening India’s deterrence posture. A separate post on Defence.in echoes this sentiment, noting that the exercise reflected the “growing strength of the India‑US defence partnership.”
Domestic Production Gains
The PIB fact sheet lists several high‑profile indigenous projects that have reached new milestones. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, for example, has entered the final phase of production, with the Ministry reporting that the first batch of aircraft will be delivered to the Indian Air Force in 2027. The Navy’s indigenous frigate programme, which began in 2018, has now produced its first ship, the INS Shivalik, which entered service in 2025. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has also announced progress on the Advanced Medium Range Air Defence (AMRAD) system, a missile platform that is expected to enter operational service by 2029.
In addition to these projects, the Ministry highlighted the expansion of the Defence Production Hub in Gujarat, which now houses five major defence manufacturers. The hub has increased its annual output by 30 percent since 2021, according to the fact sheet. The Ministry also noted that the domestic defence industry has attracted foreign investment, with several multinational companies setting up joint ventures with Indian firms to produce components and systems.
Policy Reforms and Procurement
The fact sheet outlines a series of policy reforms aimed at streamlining procurement and encouraging local manufacturing. The Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2024, for example, introduced a “Buy Indian” clause that requires a minimum of 70 percent local content for all major defence contracts. The Ministry also announced a new “Defence Innovation Fund” that will provide seed capital to start‑ups working on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and hypersonic weapons.
According to the Ministry, these reforms have led to a 15 percent increase in the number of domestic suppliers that have been awarded contracts in the last fiscal year. The fact sheet also cites a 2025 audit that found a 12 percent reduction in the average lead time for procurement of critical components, a figure that the Ministry attributes to the new procurement framework.
Implications for National Security
While the fact sheet does not quantify the impact of these developments on India’s overall defence readiness, it stresses that a robust domestic industry is essential for maintaining strategic autonomy. The Ministry’s statement also notes that the increased production capacity will allow India to respond more quickly to emerging security challenges in the Indo‑Pacific region.
In the context of the Indo‑US partnership, the Ministry highlighted that joint exercises such as Yudh Abhyas provide a platform for sharing best practices and technology. The exercise also serves as a deterrent to potential adversaries, according to the Ministry’s assessment. The fact sheet concludes that the combination of domestic production growth and strategic alliances positions India to meet its defence needs without overreliance on external suppliers.
