Ongoing conflicts — Russia’s war in Ukraine and the US-Israel military campaign against Iran — have disrupted international defense supply chains. The sanctions imposed on Russia have led to delays in the supply of arms and spare parts, while countries like the US and Israel have also run out of arms stockpile due to ongoing vigorous operations in West Asia. Due to these shortcomings, countries are now looking for alternative and reliable suppliers.
India is presenting itself as a credible alternative through its **’Atmanirbhar Bharat’** and **’Make in India’** initiatives. India, which was once mainly dependent on imports, has now transformed into an emerging exporter. Defense exports are on track to reach about ₹29,000 crore by April 2026, up from the record ~₹24,000 crore in FY 2024-25; Its long-term target is to reach ₹50,000 crore by FY 2029-30.
HFCL Limited has further strengthened this momentum by bringing its defense unit under its subsidiary HFCL Advanced Systems Private Limited (HASPL). This new unit brings together aerostructures, avionics, indigenous radar systems and thermal weapon sites. It is starting its operations with a total order book of ~₹1,680 crore, which includes firm export orders worth ₹1,570 crore in the aerostructures and aeronautics sector. Public sector giant Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is exporting advanced radars like Rohini (3D surveillance), Ashlesha, Bharani, Swati weapon-detection radars and other air defense systems to countries in South-East Asia and Africa.
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is continuously providing dense foliage-penetrating radars, drone-detection systems and electronic warfare platforms. Private companies like Tata Advanced Systems, L&T, Bharat Forge and Mahindra Defense are expanding their capabilities in the fields of aerostructures, missiles and surveillance technologies.
Experts believe that over-dependence on Russian systems has exposed our vulnerabilities, while the current conflicts have created new opportunities for Indian companies. With strong support from the government, India is exporting radars, electronic warfare systems, thermal sites and aeronautical parts to dozens of countries. Although some challenges still remain in scaling up production and complete indigenization, the sector is taking advantage of the global turmoil to showcase its domestic defense capabilities.
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