India’s Defence Transformation

 

1. India’s defence sector transformed significantly between 2014 and 2026 through reforms, higher investment, indigenisation, innovation, and defence diplomacy.

2. India’s defence budget increased from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013–14 to ₹7.85 lakh crore in 2026–27.

3. Defence capital expenditure increased from ₹94,587.95 crore in 2014–15 to ₹2.19 lakh crore in 2026–27.

4. Indigenous defence production rose from ₹46,429 crore in 2014–15 to ₹1.78 lakh crore in 2025–26.

5. Defence exports increased from ₹686 crore in 2013–14 to ₹38,424 crore in 2025–26, showing over 5500% growth.

6. Indian defence products are now exported to more than 80 countries, and the defence exporter base has expanded to 145 firms.

7. Defence research and development allocation increased from ₹13,716.14 crore in 2014–15 to ₹29,100.25 crore in 2026–27.

8. In 2022–23, 25% of the defence R&D budget was opened to industry, start-ups, and academia to promote innovation.

9. The iDEX scheme was approved with an outlay of ₹498.78 crore for 2021–22 to 2025–26 to promote defence innovation.

10. By March 2026, iDEX had engaged 676 start-ups, MSMEs, and innovators, while 551 design and development contracts had been signed.

11. The ADITI scheme was approved with an outlay of ₹750 crore for 2023–24 to 2025–26 to support advanced defence technologies.

12. Under the Technology Development Fund, grants of up to ₹50 crore are provided for critical defence technology development.

13. As of June 2026, 80 projects worth ₹334 crore were being implemented under the Technology Development Fund.

14. DRDO established 15 DRDO Industry Academia Centres of Excellence, working on nearly 82 research verticals.

15. India demonstrated anti-satellite capability through Mission Shakti on 27 March 2019, joining a select group of countries with such capability.

 

 

Must Know Terms :

1. AtmanirbharDefence

Atmanirbhar Defence refers to India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing, technology development, and procurement. Between 2014 and 2026, India reduced import dependence by promoting indigenous production, private sector participation, MSMEs, start-ups, and DRDO-industry collaboration. Defence production reached ₹1.78 lakh crore in 2025–26.

2. DefenceExports

Defence exports show India’s growing global credibility as a defence manufacturing nation. Exports increased from ₹686 crore in 2013–14 to ₹38,424 crore in 2025–26, recording over 5500% growth. Indian defence products are now exported to more than 80 countries, with 145 firms participating in defence exports.

3. iDEX

Innovations for Defence Excellence is a key initiative to promote defence innovation by involving start-ups, MSMEs, individual innovators, research institutions, and academia. The scheme was approved with an outlay of ₹498.78 crore for 2021–22 to 2025–26. By March 2026, iDEX had engaged 676 start-ups, MSMEs, and innovators.

4. DRDO

Defence Research and Development Organisation plays a central role in India’s defence technology development. It has opened testing infrastructure to private industry and strengthened collaboration through industry-academia centres. DRDO has contributed to technologies such as missiles, air defence systems, Tejas, Arjun Mk-IA, hypersonic research, and Mission Shakti.

5. DefenceAcquisitionProcedure

Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 was introduced to simplify procurement and promote indigenous defence manufacturing. It prioritised Indian-designed and Indian-manufactured systems, increased domestic industry participation, and strengthened Make in India in defence. The Defence Acquisition Council approved systems worth over ₹6 lakh crore under indigenous procurement priorities.

6. MissionShakti

Mission Shakti was India’s anti-satellite missile test conducted on 27 March 2019. Through this mission, India demonstrated the capability to destroy a satellite in space and joined a select group of countries with anti-satellite capability. It marked a major milestone in India’s strategic and technological defence preparedness.

MCQ :

Q1. India’s defence sector transformed significantly between 2014 and 2026 through:

(a) Only foreign imports
(b) Reforms, higher investment, indigenisation, innovation and defence diplomacy
(c) Agricultural reforms only
(d) Civil aviation reforms only

Q2. India’s defence budget increased from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013–14 to:

(a) ₹5.85 lakh crore in 2026–27
(b) ₹6.85 lakh crore in 2026–27
(c) ₹7.85 lakh crore in 2026–27
(d) ₹8.85 lakh crore in 2026–27

Q3. Defence capital expenditure increased from ₹94,587.95 crore in 2014–15 to:

(a) ₹1.19 lakh crore in 2026–27
(b) ₹1.69 lakh crore in 2026–27
(c) ₹2.19 lakh crore in 2026–27
(d) ₹2.69 lakh crore in 2026–27

Q4. Indigenous defence production rose from ₹46,429 crore in 2014–15 to:

(a) ₹1.28 lakh crore in 2025–26
(b) ₹1.58 lakh crore in 2025–26
(c) ₹1.78 lakh crore in 2025–26
(d) ₹2.08 lakh crore in 2025–26

Q5. Defence exports increased from ₹686 crore in 2013–14 to:

(a) ₹18,424 crore in 2025–26
(b) ₹28,424 crore in 2025–26
(c) ₹38,424 crore in 2025–26
(d) ₹48,424 crore in 2025–26

Q6. India’s defence exports recorded growth of over:

(a) 1500%
(b) 2500%
(c) 3500%
(d) 5500%

Q7. Indian defence products are now exported to more than:

(a) 40 countries
(b) 60 countries
(c) 80 countries
(d) 100 countries

Q8. The defence exporter base has expanded to:

(a) 95 firms
(b) 115 firms
(c) 145 firms
(d) 175 firms

Q9. Defence research and development allocation increased from ₹13,716.14 crore in 2014–15 to:

(a) ₹19,100.25 crore in 2026–27
(b) ₹24,100.25 crore in 2026–27
(c) ₹29,100.25 crore in 2026–27
(d) ₹34,100.25 crore in 2026–27

Q10. In 2022–23, what percentage of the defence R&D budget was opened to industry, start-ups and academia?

(a) 10%
(b) 15%
(c) 20%
(d) 25%

Q11. The iDEX scheme was approved with an outlay of:

(a) ₹298.78 crore
(b) ₹398.78 crore
(c) ₹498.78 crore
(d) ₹598.78 crore

Q12. By March 2026, iDEX had engaged how many start-ups, MSMEs and innovators?

(a) 476
(b) 576
(c) 676
(d) 776

Q13. The ADITI scheme was approved with an outlay of:

(a) ₹450 crore
(b) ₹550 crore
(c) ₹650 crore
(d) ₹750 crore

Q14. Under the Technology Development Fund, grants of up to how much are provided for critical defence technology development?

(a) ₹10 crore
(b) ₹25 crore
(c) ₹50 crore
(d) ₹100 crore

Q15. Mission Shakti, India’s anti-satellite missile test, was conducted on:

(a) 27 March 2017
(b) 27 March 2018
(c) 27 March 2019
(d) 27 March 2020