Rajnath Singh Reiterates Target of Rs 3 Lakh Crore Defence Production by 2029

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh restated on November 3, 2026, that India aims to reach Rs 3 lakh crore in defence production and Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029. He made the remarks while addressing an event focused on technology-enabled military capabilities.

The targets form part of the government’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat programme in defence. Production has risen in recent years through a combination of public-sector output, private-sector participation, and increasing domestic content in platforms. Exports have also grown, with systems supplied to several countries.

Singh said the government remains committed to equipping the armed forces with indigenous technology. The 2029 horizon gives manufacturers and the services a fixed timeline for scaling output. Meeting the production figure would require sustained orders from the three services and continued expansion of the private defence industry.

The export target of Rs 50,000 crore would represent a further increase from current levels. Indian systems in categories such as artillery, missiles, and naval platforms have found buyers in recent years. Officials have linked export growth to both economic returns and strategic partnerships.

The statement comes against a backdrop of ongoing regional security concerns and the need to maintain operational readiness. Domestic production reduces dependence on foreign suppliers for critical items and shortens logistics timelines. The ministry has issued multiple positive indigenisation lists that restrict imports of specified items once domestic capacity exists.

Private companies now hold a larger share of defence contracts than in previous decades. Public-sector units continue to deliver major platforms while collaborating with private firms on subsystems. The combination is intended to raise overall output toward the 2029 numbers.

Singh’s reiteration of the targets provides a public benchmark against which progress can be measured. Annual production and export figures released by the ministry will show whether the trajectory remains on course. The defence budget and capital acquisition plans for the next three years will determine how quickly the goals can be approached.