New Delhi, August 18: The Indian defense production sector has received a significant boost under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The Department of Defense Production has released its sixth positive indigenization list, which includes 405 strategically important defense items.
These 405 items have an estimated business value of around ₹3,070 crores. They encompass critical equipment related to helicopters, fighter jets, armored platforms, missiles, and defense electronics, as well as items for the Coast Guard and defense enterprises. All these products will now be developed and manufactured domestically, reducing reliance on imports in the future.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the new list includes 16 items associated with the Indian Coast Guard and 389 items linked to defense public sector undertakings. This comprehensive list features various components, sub-systems, sub-assemblies, spare parts, materials, and raw materials used in different weapon systems and defense platforms. It includes several essential devices for the Army, Air Force, and Navy, such as advanced light helicopters, light utility helicopters, Sukhoi-30 MKI, light combat aircraft, and AL-31FP engine-related products.
Additionally, important equipment related to armored platforms, including T-72, T-90, and BMP-2, is also included in the list. The government has decided to indigenously produce several critical missile systems, including items related to Konkur-M, Invar, and MRSAM. Furthermore, significant components in the field of defense electronics, such as radar, sonar, fire control systems, and satellite communication systems, will also be indigenized. High-explosive anti-tank ammunition and other vital defense equipment are part of this list.
This initiative is expected to provide a substantial market for the Indian defense industry. A indicative timeline has been set for the indigenization of each item on the list. Once domestic development is successful, these products will be procured from Indian industries. The defense public sector undertakings and the Indian Coast Guard will pursue indigenization through various methods, including manufacturing processes and internal development. This entire process will promote the participation of the Indian industry, especially MSMEs and startups.
Notably, the Department of Defense Production launched the Srijan Defense Portal in August 2020. Its aim is to provide opportunities for the indigenous development and production of items that are currently imported into the defense sector. By June 2026, defense public sector undertakings and service headquarters have presented over 33,000 defense items for indigenization through this portal, including 5,012 items from the first five positive indigenization lists.
According to the government, over 15,700 defense items have been successfully indigenized in the past five years, creating a domestic alternative worth around ₹9,000 crores in imports. Additionally, by March 2026, defense public sector undertakings have issued procurement orders worth approximately ₹10,000 crores to domestic vendors, including orders for internal production.
The sixth positive indigenization list represents a significant step forward in the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat policy. It will create new business opportunities for Indian companies, promote investment and innovation in defense production, and strengthen the domestic defense industry and supply chain.
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