Source: TOI
Context: India has increased its focus on exporting defence equipment, with Armenia recently emerging as a significant buyer of Indian-made weapon systems like Akash air defence missiles, Pinaka rocket systems, and 155mm artillery guns.
Key data points on Indian defence sector:
| Aspect | Details |
| Top Export Markets | Armenia, the U.S., and France are leading importers. Armenia buys major systems (e.g., Akash, Pinaka); U.S. imports components. |
| Export Record | Defence exports reached ₹21,083 crore ($2.6 billion) in 2023-24; goal is ₹50,000 crore by 2028-29. |
| Strategic Collaborations | Partnerships include BrahMos missiles for the Philippines; Brazil seeks co-production for advanced Akash missiles. |
| Indigenous Production | Achieved ₹1.2 lakh crore in 2023-24; target of ₹3 lakh crore by 2028-29 under “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. |
| Industrial Base Expansion | Includes 16 PSUs, 430 licensed companies, and 16,000 MSMEs; threefold growth since 2014-15; private sector at 21%. |
| Global Standing | Despite growth, India remains the largest arms importer (9.8% of global imports, 2019-2023). |
NOTE: From prelims perspective try to memorise the targets, trends and major buyer of Indian weapons (Armenia). From mains perspective remember the Indian performance and few data to fetch more marks.
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