Co-produce now. Own it next. Sell it after.
From the second-largest importer to an arsenal others buy from.
The programmes that teach.
| Programme | Partner | Status |
|---|---|---|
| BrahMos | Russia (NPOM) | In service with all three services and exported |
| C-295 transport | Airbus with Tata, Vadodara | 40 to be built in India |
| AK-203 rifle | Russia, Korwa | In production; indigenous variant tested |
| Scorpene submarines | Naval Group with Mazagon Dock | Six of six commissioned |
| F414 engine | GE with HAL | Technical agreement; contract pending |
| AMCA engine | Safran with GTRE | Awaiting Cabinet approval |
| 114 Rafale | Dassault | Approved Feb 2026; about 90 to be made in India |
| MQ-9B drones | General Atomics | Signed Oct 2024; maintained in India |
Business Standard, 7 Jul 2026 · PIB Year-End Review 2025 · The Wire, 16 Apr 2026 · Naval News, 13 Feb 2026
Who buys Indian weapons.
- Exports, 2025-26
- ₹38,424 crore, up about 62% on ₹23,622 crore in 2024-25. Defence Minister, 17 Jun 2026 · PIB Year-End Review 2025
- BrahMos · Philippines
- US$375 million (2022). Delivered. Business Standard, 7 Jul 2026
- BrahMos · Vietnam
- About US$629 million, signed in 2026. Business Standard, 7 Jul 2026
- BrahMos · Indonesia
- About US$630 million including Astra, announced. (reported) Business Standard, 7 Jul 2026
- Akash and Pinaka · Armenia
- 15 Akash systems for about ₹6,000 crore; the first batch shipped Nov 2024. Armenia also buys Pinaka. Tribune, Nov 2024
- Production split
- Of ₹1.78 lakh crore made in 2025-26, public sector about 76% and private about 24%. Defence Minister, 17 Jun 2026
My view
All three, in phases. Co-produce with the best now so our engineers learn on real programmes. Be self-reliant in design by the 2030s. Then export to the Global South so the orders keep the lines warm and the profits pay for the next design.
Less Russia. More France and home.
| Period | India’s share of world imports | Rank | Russia’s share of India’s imports |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–15 | 14% | 1st | 70% |
| 2016–20 | 9.3% | 2nd | 49% |
| 2021–25 | 8.2% | 2nd | 40% (France 29%, Israel 15%) |