India's Defence Industry Expands Globally Post-Operation Sindoor, Says DRDO Chief
India's defence sector has gained significant international attention following the success of Operation Sindoor, which highlighted the country's exceptional operational capabilities and technological advancements. This achievement has shifted the global perspective of India from a regional military power to a credible global technology provider, capable of comprehensive defence system development and delivery. This evolution marks a crucial step towards India's ambition to become a leading hub for defence manufacturing and exports.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) plays a pivotal role in this transformation. Initially focused on research, DRDO has now become a center for innovation, collaborating with industry partners and emphasizing export-oriented development.
“Our mission today goes beyond research. We are shaping systems that define future warfare — for India and for the world,” said the DRDO Chief, highlighting how indigenous technologies are gaining traction globally.
India's engineering and production prowess are exemplified by flagship systems such as the Akash and Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) complexes. These systems, which incorporate indigenous radar, propulsion, and guidance technologies, have drawn interest from countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America due to their reliability and cost-effectiveness.
The DRDO-developed Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, mounted on an Embraer platform, signifies India's advanced aerospace capabilities. This system provides enhanced situational awareness and network-centric warfare, presenting an alternative to Western surveillance systems for allied nations.
In collaboration with Indian private firms, DRDO's D4 Anti-Drone Air Defence System (AADS) has emerged as a critical asset in addressing UAV threats. Featuring sophisticated sensors, jammers, and directed-energy weapons, the system garnered international interest during Operation Sindoor, with several countries expressing a desire for similar anti-drone capabilities.
The BrahMos cruise missile, a joint venture between DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyenia, remains India's most successful export weapon. After its significant sale to the Philippines, India is engaged in advanced negotiations with Vietnam, Indonesia, and other Indo-Pacific nations, reinforcing its position as a key arms supplier in the region.
The DRDO Chief highlighted the role of public-private partnerships in achieving India's export objectives. Contributions from companies like Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and numerous MSMEs foster an ecosystem conducive to rapid, scalable, and customized production.
Operation Sindoor was instrumental in demonstrating India's defence readiness under combat conditions, from precision air strikes to counter-UAV operations, validating years of indigenous technological progress.
India's defence sector is accelerating, with the government aiming for ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029. Policies such as the Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) and investments in defence industrial corridors are further bolstering this growth.
In essence, India's defence narrative has evolved from self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) to global significance. As DRDO-led systems like Akash, MRSAM, AEW&C, D4, and BrahMos gain international traction, India is not only securing its borders but also influencing the future of global defence innovation.
