India’s defence sector in 2024 showcased significant progress in achieving self-reliance and gaining global recognition. With record-breaking indigenous defence production and exports, the nation transitioned from an importer to a key player in the global defence market. India commissioned new ships for its navy and added advanced aircraft to its air force.The country also saw the opening of its first privately owned military aircraft factory. Additionally, high-value contracts and strategic international collaborations strengthened India’s defence capabilities, stressing its commitment to “Aatmanirbharta.”
Here are the top defence achievements of India in 2024:
Aatmanirbharta in defence: India’s journey to self-reliance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on India’s 78th Independence Day that the country is moving toward “Aatmanirbharta” (self-reliance) in defence and becoming a global manufacturing hub. Speaking from the Red Fort on August 15, 2024, PM Modi said, “There was a time when the majority of the defence budget was used to procure weapons/equipment from abroad, but his Government focused on indigenous manufacturing to make the nation self-reliant.”
The Prime Minister commended the ministry of defence and the armed forces for promoting local manufacturing. This includes five “Positive Indigenisation Lists” outlining over 5,600 items to be sourced exclusively from Indian manufacturers. PM Modi stressed India’s transition from a defence equipment importer to an exporter.
Aatmanirbharta in defence (Picture credit: BJP X handle)
The ministry of defence reported record-high indigenous defence production in the 2023-24 financial year, reaching Rs 1,26,887 crore, a 16.7% increase compared to the previous year. Public sector entities contributed approximately 79.2% of this production, while the private sector accounted for the remaining 20.8%.
For example, the Indian Light Tank “Zorawar,” developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Larsen & Toubro, successfully completed high-altitude firing trials. This followed successful desert trials in September 2024. The tank demonstrated accurate firing capabilities in both environments.
The defence ministry aims to reach Rs 3 lakh crore in defence production by 2029.
Defence exports hit record high
India’s defence exports reached a record high of Rs 21,083 crore (approximately US$2.63 billion) in the fiscal year 2023-24. This marks a 32.5% increase from the Rs 5,920 crore achieved in the previous fiscal year. Exports have grown 31 times over the last decade compared to the fiscal year 2013-14.
Ministry of defence reported record-high indigenous defence production (Picture credit: Defence Production India X handle)
Private companies and Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) contributed approximately 60% and 40% to these exports, respectively.
The ministry of defence simplified export procedures in May 2024, expanding the Open General Export License (OGEL) to cover more countries and items. An online portal now facilitates the sharing of export leads with Indian defence companies, disseminating 153 leads since January 1, 2024. The ministry also organized ten webinars and seminars with other countries to promote exports. DPSUs are setting up overseas offices, supported by a new streamlined procedure.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that the target of exporting defence equipment worth Rs 50,000 crore by 2029 will be achieved.
PM Modi and Spain’s PM launch India’s first private military aircraft factory
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez inaugurated India’s first private military aircraft manufacturing facility in October. The Tata Aircraft Complex will produce C-295 transport aircraft, a joint project between Airbus Spain and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd.
The factory is expected to deliver its first “Made in India” C-295 in 2026. Of the 40 aircraft to be built in India, six of the 16 “fly-away” condition aircraft from Airbus Spain have already been delivered to the Indian Air Force.
“The C-295 aircraft factory reflects the new work culture of ‘New Bharat.’ From idea to execution, the speed with which Bharat operates today is evident here,” PM Modi said, predicting future global exports of the aircraft.
(L-R) Defence minister Rajnath Singh, Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez, PM Modi, Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel at Tata Aircraft Complex in Vadodara
This project is expected to generate thousands of jobs. PM Modi also stressed the potential for civilian aircraft production at the facility, citing recent orders by Indian airlines for 1,200 new planes. He emphasised the expansion of air connectivity to smaller Indian cities and India’s ambition to become an aviation hub.
Sanchez stressed Spain’s reliability as a partner. Both leaders praised the C-295 project as a symbol of growing defence cooperation and encouraged further joint ventures between the two countries’ defence industries.
Multi-billion dollar deal with US for predator drones
India signed a deal with the US government for 31 MQ-9B predator drones, costing Rs 28,000 crore (US$3.3 billion), in October. A separate Rs 4,350 crore (US$520 million) agreement with General Atomics will establish a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in India.
The first drone is expected to be delivered by January 2029, with all 31 delivered by October 2030. An official told TOI, “Under the deal, the first MQ-9B high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) drone will be inducted by Jan 2029, with all the 31 being delivered in batches by Oct 2030. The `birds’ will provide a quantum jump in the ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) capabilities of our armed forces.”
The Navy will receive 15 Sea Guardian drones, while the Army and Air Force will each get eight Sky Guardians. These drones, equipped with Hellfire missiles, GBU-39B guided bombs, and other weapons, will enhance India’s surveillance capabilities, especially in the Indian Ocean Region, where China’s presence has grown.
General Atomics will partially assemble 21 of the drones in India and provide logistical support for eight years. Although no technology transfer is included, the company will offer expertise to India’s defence research and development organisation (DRDO) to develop similar drones.
The official addressed cost concerns and the drones’ effectiveness: “The MQ-9Bs we will get are the latest variant capable of launching their weapons from long stand-off distances,” he said.
These drones can fly for 30-40 hours at high altitudes and are considered more advanced than Chinese drones. India plans to deploy them at command centers focused on the Indian Ocean Region and land borders. This purchase represents a major defence deal with the US, following acquisitions like C-17 Globemaster aircraft and P-8I maritime patrol aircraft.
Approval of 52 new surveillance satellites
India will launch 52 new spy satellites to enhance its surveillance capabilities, the government announced in October. The cabinet committee on security, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the third phase of the space-based surveillance (SBS-III) project.
The project, estimated at Rs 27,000 crore, will span five years. These satellites will monitor India’s land and sea borders, focusing on areas of concern with neighboring countries Pakistan and China, including Chinese activity in the Indian Ocean.
This new network will complement existing Indian satellites like Risat, Cartosat, and the Gsat-7 series. The SBS program began in 2001 with four satellites launched. A second phase in 2013 added six more.
The new satellites will incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) for communication and data gathering.
Induction of first C-295 tactical aircraft
The Indian Air Force (IAF) inducted its first C-295 transport aircraft in September, marking a significant upgrade to its airlift capabilities. Defence minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the role of the defence and aerospace sectors in India’s self-reliance during the induction ceremony at Hindon Air Base near Delhi.
Nicknamed “The Rhino,” the C-295 will be based in Vadodara, Gujarat. India signed a deal for 56 planes two years ago, costing Rs 21,935 crore. Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft by 2025, while the remaining 40 will be built in India at a new Tata-Airbus facility in Vadodara. This is the first instance of a private company producing military aircraft in India. Indian-made C-295 production will run from September 2026 to August 2031.
The C-295 will replace the older HS-748 Avro aircraft. “This medium-lift tactical aircraft is capable of taking off and landing from unprepared landing grounds. It will replace the HS-748 Avro aircraft,” Singh said.
Capable of carrying up to nine tons of cargo or 71 soldiers, the C-295 can operate from short, unpaved runways, making it ideal for deployment in mountainous areas, such as the border with China and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The aircraft also features Indian-made electronic warfare systems and a rear ramp for rapid troop and cargo deployment.
Akashteer project: Revolutionizing India’s air defence
The Indian Army has deployed a new air defence system called Akashteer to modernize its defences. This project is part of the Army’s “Decade of Transformation” and “Year of Tech Absorption” initiatives.
Akashteer automates and integrates India’s air defence network. It combines data from Army and Air Force sensors, creating a single, shared view of the airspace for all units. This shared view improves coordination and awareness.
The system has undergone real-world testing, simulating potential future conflicts. A senior military officer observed the testing and praised the project, saying it has “realised a transformative leap in the Indian Army’s air defence capabilities.”
The system automates tasks previously done manually, significantly speeding up response times—critical for defending against fast-moving aircraft.
Akashteer allows frontline units to make quick decisions about engaging enemy aircraft while preventing friendly fire incidents. Units in the Northern and Eastern Commands are already using these systems.
The system combines data from various radars and weapon systems to create a comprehensive view of the airspace, aiding both planning and reactions to immediate threats.
Akashteer is built with backup communication systems to maintain connectivity in difficult situations. It can also be upgraded with new software and hardware as technology advances.
The system can be deployed on mobile platforms for some units and in fixed locations for others, depending on operational needs.
The phased induction of Akashteer is currently in progress. Of the 455 systems required, 107 were delivered by November 12, with 105 more scheduled for delivery by March 2025. The remaining units will be supplied by March 2027, ensuring extensive coverage across the Indian Army’s defence formations.
New submarines, ships, and helicopters
India strengthened its military in 2024 with the addition of new submarines, ships, and helicopters.
The Indian Navy inducted INS Arighaat, a submarine, on August 29, 2024, in Visakhapatnam. This submarine incorporates advanced technology and Indian-made systems.
INS Arighaat
The Navy also commissioned INS Tushil, a guided-missile frigate, on December 9, 2024, in Kaliningrad, Russia. This ship is an upgraded Krivak III-class frigate.
The Navy also commissioned survey vessels INS Sandhayak and INS Nirdeshak in February and December, respectively. Additionally, the Navy inducted INS Surat, a destroyer, and continued work on seven stealth frigates.
The Navy also introduced Drishti-10 remotely piloted aircraft for surveillance and equipped ships with unmanned aerial systems. Nine MH-60R helicopters were put into service, with the first MH-60R squadron (INAS 334) commissioned in March. These helicopters participated in exercises like MALABAR, SIMBEX, and MILAN 24.
The Indian Air Force added Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) in February 2024. Personnel trained on these helicopters and deployed them during Exercise Gagan Shakti in April 2024.
Series of contracts
India has signed several defence contracts in recent months, enhancing its military capabilities across land, sea, and air. These agreements span various equipment, including aircraft, missiles, ships, and electronic warfare systems.
In October 2024, the ministry of defence (MoD) finalised a deal with the US government for 31 MQ-9B Sky/Sea Guardian drones. A related contract with General Atomics Global India will provide maintenance and repair services within India.
That same month, the Indian coast guard ordered six air-cushion vehicles (hovercraft) from Chowgule & Company Private Limited for Rs 387.44 crore.
November 2024 saw a Rs 1,207.5 crore contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited for the refit and dry docking of the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.
In December 2024, the MoD signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 12 Su-30MKI aircraft and associated equipment, costing approximately Rs 13,500 crore. Another contract with Larsen & Toubro Limited provided the Indian Army with 155 mm/52 caliber K9 VAJRA-T self-propelled artillery guns, valued at Rs 7,628.70 crore.
Global engagements
The ministry of defence significantly expanded its international defence cooperation in 2024 through high-level visits and military exercises. Defense minister Rajnath Singh spearheaded these efforts, visiting several key nations.
Singh visited the United States in August, meeting with secretary of defence Lloyd Austin and national security advisor Jake Sullivan. Discussions included defence cooperation, industrial collaboration, and regional security.
In December, Singh traveled to Russia, co-chairing the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation. He also met with President Vladimir Putin.
Vladimir Putin and Rajnath Singh
In January, Singh visited the United Kingdom to meet defence minister Grant Shapps and then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, focusing on defence and industrial collaboration.
He also participated in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in November, advocating for a “rule-based international order for peace & prosperity in Indo-Pacific.” Singh held meetings with counterparts from China, the US, Malaysia, Laos, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
In August, Singh and external affairs Minister S Jaishankar hosted the third India-Japan 2+2 ministerial dialogue in New Delhi with their Japanese counterparts, reviewing defence activities and discussing increased cooperation.
October brought the sixth India-Singapore defence ministerial dialogue to New Delhi, where Singh and Singapore’s defence minister affirmed their commitment to regional peace and stability.
Finally, in February, Singh met with Netherlands defence minister Kajsa Ollongren in New Delhi to explore expanded cooperation, particularly in maritime and industrial domains. Both ministers stressed enhanced naval interaction and the shared goal of ensuring Indian Ocean security.
Successful military exercises in India
This year, India successfully conducted numerous military exercises across various states. Here are some of the key ones:
Desert Cyclone
The joint military exercise “Desert Cyclone” between India and the UAE was conducted at the Mahajan Range in Bikaner, Rajasthan, from January 2 to January 15, 2024. The exercise involved troops from the Indian Army and the UAE’s Zayed First Brigade. The training focused on joint tactical operations, culminating in validation training in Rajasthan.
The exercise aimed to improve cooperation and understanding between the two forces, particularly in peacekeeping operations. Training scenarios included fighting in built-up areas (FIBUA) in desert environments, relevant to UN peacekeeping mandates.
Specific drills included setting up joint surveillance centers, cordon and search operations, controlling built-up areas, and helicopter operations. The exercise provided a platform for sharing best practices and enhancing combat skills.
Exercise Milan
The Indian Navy’s largest multilateral naval exercise, Milan 2024, began in Visakhapatnam on February 19, 2024. Ships from the Indian Navy and 16 foreign navies, along with a maritime patrol aircraft and delegations from various countries, participated.
The exercise was divided into two phases. The harbor phase (February 19–23) included events like an international city parade, a maritime seminar, a technology expo, and sporting events. The sea phase (February 24–27) involved complex drills such as air defence, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare exercises, along with gunnery shoots and maneuvers.
Milan 2024, held under the Eastern Naval Command, was the largest and most complex edition to date. The exercise’s motto, ‘Camaraderie Cohesion Collaboration,’ reflects its focus on international maritime cooperation. It aimed to promote peace and prosperity in the region, aligning with “the Prime Minister’s vision of Security & Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).”
Exercise Tarkash
India and the US conducted their seventh annual joint counter-terrorism exercise, “Tarkash,” from April 22 to May 15 in Kolkata. The three-week program involved the National Security Guard (NSG) and US special forces training together in urban counter-terrorism scenarios.
The exercise included mock drills in close-quarters battle, building entry, hostage rescue, surveillance, sniping, and complex multi-target operations.
An NSG spokesperson told the Times of India, “The primary objective of the Indo-US exercise ‘Tarkash’ is to build functional relations and enhance interoperability between their special forces in conducting coordinated counter-terror operations, particularly in urban counter-terrorism contingencies.”
The exercise aimed to enhance cooperation between the two countries in combating all forms of terrorism.
Exercise Shakti
India and France launched their seventh joint military exercise, Shakti, on May 13, 2024, in Umroi, Meghalaya. The exercise, held at a modern training facility, concluded on May 26. French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou and Major General Prasanna Sudhakar Joshi attended the opening ceremony.
Shakti is a biennial exercise, alternating between India and France. It aimed to enhance the ability of both nations to conduct multi-domain operations in sub-conventional scenarios as outlined in Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate.
The training focused on operations in mountainous and semi-urban terrain, with objectives including improving physical fitness, tactical drills, and sharing best practices. Drills included responses to terrorist territorial seizures, establishing joint command posts, securing landing sites, and using drones and counter-drone systems.
Tarang Shakti
The Indian Air Force (IAF) concluded its largest-ever multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti, on September 12. The exercise involved 10 participating countries and 18 observer nations and was conducted in two phases.
The first phase, held in Sulur, Tamil Nadu (August 6–14), included participants from Germany, France, the UK, and Spain. The second phase, held in Jodhpur (August 29–September 12), involved other nations.
The exercise featured around 75–80 IAF aircraft, alongside 67 fighters and military aircraft from participating nations. The IAF said, “Tarang Shakti 24 was the first multinational exercise hosted by the organization, marking the first such event in nearly six decades.”
12th Joint Military Training Exercise
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) conducted their 12th Joint Military Training Exercise at Air Force Station Kalaikunda, West Bengal, starting October 21, 2024.
The main phase (November 13–21) included advanced air combat maneuvers and joint mission planning. The RSAF deployed its largest-ever contingent, including F-16s, F-15s, G-550 AEW&C planes, and C-130s. The IAF participated with Rafale, Mirage 2000 ITI, Su-30 MKI, Tejas, MiG-29, and Jaguar aircraft.
SIMBEX
The 31st annual maritime exercise SIMBEX between Singapore and India concluded on October 29, 2024. The exercise occurred in two phases: a harbor phase in Visakhapatnam and a sea phase in the Bay of Bengal.
The harbor phase (October 23–25) featured expert exchanges, ship visits, and pre-sail planning. The sea phase (October 28–29) included advanced warfare tactics like anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine exercises.
SIMBEX aimed to enhance interoperability between the two navies.