Tezzbuzz Desk- India has taken another big step towards self-reliance in the defense sector. The Defense Ministry has released the sixth indigenous list of 405 new defense equipment. These equipment, spare parts, raw materials and sub-systems will now be manufactured in the country. Its objective is to reduce dependence on foreign imports as well as to strengthen the domestic defense industry. This step of the government is expected to provide huge business opportunities to Indian companies, especially the MSME sector. The new list includes equipment that is used in platforms belonging to the Indian Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard. Of the total 405 items, 16 equipment directly belong to the Indian Coast Guard, while 389 items are meant for defense sector government companies i.e. DPSUs. The list includes important parts related to fighter planes, helicopters, tanks, missile systems, warships and radars.
The special thing about this list is that it not only includes general equipment, but also includes parts used in important air platforms like Sukhoi-30 MKI, Light Combat Aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopter and Light Utility Helicopter. Apart from this, a target has also been set to develop spare parts related to AL-31FP engine in the country. Ground equipment like T-72 and T-90 tanks, BMP-II and other military platforms are also part of this indigenization drive. Missile and weapon systems have also been included in this initiative. Work will also be done to manufacture anti-tank ammunition in India along with various components of missile systems like Konkars-M, Invar and MRSAM. Apart from this, equipment related to warships, radar, fire control system and satellite communication system will also be manufactured by domestic companies.
This decision will benefit not only the army but also the small and medium industries of the country. The government has provided information about these 405 equipment on the 'Srijan' defense portal. It also mentions the timeline for developing each device in India. Once successful indigenous production of a device begins, the government will be able to purchase it from domestic companies. This will provide an opportunity to MSMEs to enter the defense sector and win large orders. India has been continuously emphasizing on reducing foreign dependence in defense production for the last few years. Srijan Portal was launched in August 2020 with this very purpose. By June 2026, more than 33 thousand defense equipment has been offered for indigenous manufacturing to Indian industries through this portal.
According to government data, more than 15,700 defense equipment have been successfully indigenized in the last few years. in the last five years approximately Imports worth Rs 9,000 crore has been stopped. At the same time, by March 2026, government companies in the defense sector have given orders to domestic vendors for approx. Orders worth Rs 10 thousand crores In this way the list of 405 new equipment can give a new impetus to India's defense production. This is expected to generate foreign exchange savings, business for domestic companies and new employment opportunities for the youth. Besides, the country's strategic and military strength will also be strengthened by reducing dependence on foreign supply chains during war.