Defence Production Reaches Rs 1.51 Lakh Cr & Exports Touch Rs 24,000 Cr: Defence Minister

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Dec 8 (KNN) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said India is undergoing a paradigm shift in defence manufacturing, transitioning from an import-dependent nation to an emerging producer and exporter of military equipment.

Surge in Defence Production and Exports

Speaking at the inauguration of 125 strategic infrastructure projects executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Singh said,“Due to our hard work over the past 10 years, our defence production, which was approximately Rs 46,000 crore in 2014, has now grown to a record Rs 1.51 lakh crore. Our defence exports, which were less than Rs 1,000 crore 10 years ago, have now reached nearly Rs 24,000 crore,” reported PTI.

He added that these gains underscore the success of efforts to expand domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.

Strategic Infrastructure Development

The projects inaugurated on Sunday-comprising 28 roads, 93 bridges and four miscellaneous works-are spread across Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir and seven states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Mizoram.

Completed at a cost of Rs 5,000 crore, the infrastructure is aimed at strengthening connectivity in strategically sensitive regions.

Singh praised the BRO for advances in engineering and construction technology, noting that modern methods are accelerating project completion timelines.

He highlighted the organisation's deployment of Class-70 modular bridges, indigenously developed with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The successful installation of these bridges in forward areas, he said, demonstrates the growing impact of domestic innovation on border infrastructure.

Budget and Operational Milestones

The defence minister also noted that the BRO recorded its highest-ever expenditure-Rs 16,690 crore-in 2024-25, with a target of Rs 18,700 crore set for 2025-26.

Over the past two years, 356 BRO projects have been dedicated to the nation, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of strategic infrastructure.

An official statement added that the execution of projects across high-altitude, snowbound, desert, flood-prone and dense forest terrains highlights the BRO's operational capabilities.

Reflecting its expanding role, the organisation's budget was increased from Rs 6,500 crore to Rs 7,146 crore in the Union Budget 2025-26.

(KNN Bureau)

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