Defence production surged 174%, exports grew 34-fold in 11 years of Modi government

The Narendra Modi-led central government, which has completed 11 years, has brought about a significant transformation in India's defence sector, focussing on self-reliance, modernisation and exports of arms and ammunition.For instance, Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, showcased India's growing self-reliance on defence production and its ability to respond effectively to security threats.advertisementHere are the key achievements of the Modi government in the defence sector in the past 11 years:
1. Record defence production - India's defence production has surged 174 per cent since 2014, reaching Rs 1.27 lakh crore in 2023-24. This growth is attributed to the government's emphasis on indigenous design, development and manufacturing.2. Defence exports - India's defence exports have grown 34-fold, reaching Rs 23,622 crore in 2024-25. The country now exports defence equipment to over 85 countries, including the US, France and Armenia.3. Indigenous defence systems - The operation utilised indigenous systems, such as the Akash surface-to-air missile platform, BrahMos missiles and loitering munitions, showcasing India's advancements in defence technology. The government has promoted the development of indigenous technologies, including the BrahMos missile system, Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).advertisement4. Defence industrial corridors - Two dedicated defence industrial corridors have been established in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, attracting investments worth over Rs 8,658 crore and signed 253 MoUs with an estimated investment potential of Rs 53,439 crore.MODERNISATION AND REFORMS1. Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) - The DPP has been streamlined to prioritise indigenous procurement and promote Make in India initiatives.2. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) - The appointment of CDS has improved coordination and decision-making among the services, enabling faster response to evolving security threats.3. Theatre command - The government is working towards implementing the theatre command concept, which will enhance synergy and resource allocation during operations.WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT IN DEFENCE FORCES1. Increased representation - In the past 11 years, the number of women officers in the defense forces has tripled, reaching over 11,000.2. Permanent commission - The government has granted permanent commissions to 507 women officers, allowing them to pursue long-term careers in the defence forces.COUNTER-TERRORISM AND INTERNAL SECURITY1. Surgical strikes - India has conducted surgical strikes against terrorist camps in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) in response to the 2016 Uri attack, demonstrating its resolve to counterterrorism.2. Operation Sindoor - The armed forces launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist camps and infrastructure in Pakistan and POK. The mission was launched to avenge the deaths of 26 people by Pakistan-backed terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.advertisementOperation Sindoor demonstrated India's military capability and its ability to respond effectively to security threats, sending a strong message to its adversaries.FUTURE PLAN AND CHALLENGE1. Export target - The government aims to cross Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029, positioning India as a global hub for defence production.2. Research and development - The government needs to allocate more funds for research and development to achieve true self-reliance in defence and stay competitive in the global market.Must Watch
IN THIS STORY#Narendra Modi

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