The world’s defence environment is changing fast. With rising geopolitical tensions, nations are investing heavily to strengthen their defence capabilities. Defence is intrinsically tied up with national strength and sovereignty–strategic, economic and industrial.
Against this backdrop India’s defence journey feels especially meaningful. Our defence ecosystem has visibly strengthened–with production reaching an all-time high, crossing INR1,50,000 crore (+18 per cent) and exports touching a record INR23,000 crore in FY25 (+12 per cent).1 What’s encouraging is that this momentum is not limited to a few large players–private industry, MSMEs and startups are becoming core to the story. And the innovation engine is running strong too–from developing ramjet-assisted 155mm artillery shells2 to soon rolling out the first ‘Made in India’ C-295 medium-range tactical transport aircraft, recent achievements show promise and domestic capacity building.3 Another example is strengthening the sea-based leg of the nuclear triad. With two already operational, India is now close to commissioning its third indigenously built nuclear-powered submarine, a strong signal of growing self-reliance in strategic capability.
The progress so far is strong, but what else can we do in 2026 to accelerate this momentum? Here are five priorities that can make a real difference:
