Rajnath Singh announces record ₹25,000 crore in defence exports; inaugurates new HAL production lines in Nashik

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday announced that India’s defence sector has achieved a major milestone, with exports rising to a record ₹25,000 crore.

This marks a rise in exports from less than ₹1,000 crore a few years ago, showcasing India’s growth towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Sharing the update on X, the Ministry of Defence wrote, “Our defence export, which used to be less than ₹1,000 crore, has now reached a record ₹25,000 crore. We have now set a target to achieve ₹3 lakh crore in domestic defence manufacturing and ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.”

Speaking at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Nashik campus, Singh lauded the state-run aerospace major for its growing contribution to India’s defence ecosystem. The Defence Minister was present for the maiden flight of the Tejas Mk1A, an advanced 4.5-generation multirole fighter jet, and also inaugurated new production lines for the Tejas Mk1A and HTT-40 aircraft.

“It is my first opportunity to visit HAL’s Nashik campus, and I could see enthusiasm and pride on the faces of everyone working here,” Singh said. “I extend my best wishes to the pilots who flew the LCA Mk1A and SU-30 aircraft.”

The minister inaugurated HAL’s third production line for the Tejas Mk1A and second for the HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft, terming the development a symbol of India’s technological and industrial progress.

“Once, this place was known for producing MiG aircraft. Today, it has transformed into a modern hub for Sukhoi jets and indigenous platforms,” he said, describing HAL as a “strong pillar” of India’s defence capability.

Drawing on Nashik’s cultural significance, Singh likened the city’s role in India’s defence ecosystem to the strength and spirit of Lord Shiva. “This land, where Lord Shiva resides in the form of Trimbakeshwar, is not only a centre of faith but now a symbol of self-reliance. HAL here represents the nation’s power to defend and destroy enemies when needed,” he remarked.

The LCA Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded version of India’s indigenous fighter jet, equipped with advanced avionics, air-to-air refuelling, and enhanced combat capabilities. It is designed for multi-role operations including air defence, ground attack and maritime strike missions, key to India’s evolving defence preparedness.