Indigenous Content in Armed Forces Reaches 65-70%, Says G Satheesh Reddy

Former DRDO chief G Satheesh Reddy said indigenous content in India’s armed forces has more than doubled in 15 years, with domestic defence systems now covering several critical areas.

By All India Story

30 Sep 2026, 2:38 PM IST 2 min read

G Satheesh Reddy speaking about India’s defence manufacturing and indigenous technology — G Satheesh Reddy discusses India’s growing defence indigenisation and domestic weapons capabilities.

Indigenous defence content in India’s armed forces has risen to around 65-70%, according to former DRDO chairman and National Security Advisory Board member Dr G Satheesh Reddy. Speaking about India’s defence manufacturing transformation, Reddy said the figure has increased significantly from around 30-35% approximately 15 years ago.

Growing self-reliance in defence systems

Reddy said India has developed domestic capabilities across several critical defence sectors, including missiles, radars, sonars, torpedoes, airborne early warning systems, tanks, guns, ships and submarines.

He described the progress as part of a broader push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, with Indian technology increasingly being used across different branches of the armed forces.

Reddy also referred to the lessons from Operation Sindoor, saying the operation demonstrated the role of domestically developed systems in modern warfare. He highlighted platforms and weapons including BrahMos, Akash, MRSAM and drones.

Startups and private industry expand role

The former DRDO chief also pointed to the growing participation of defence startups and private companies in India’s military-industrial ecosystem.

According to Reddy, the expansion of private-sector involvement has helped broaden India’s defence manufacturing base and support the development of new technologies.

He also highlighted the growth in defence exports. He said exports had crossed Rs 38,000 crore and could rise to between Rs 50,000 crore and Rs 60,000 crore in the following year.

The expansion of exports reflects India’s efforts to integrate its defence manufacturing sector into global supply chains while increasing domestic production.

Reddy’s comments come as India continues to focus on reducing dependence on imported defence equipment and expanding domestic research, manufacturing and technology capabilities. The increasing role of private companies and startups is also changing the structure of the country’s defence production ecosystem.

The shift from lower levels of indigenous content to 65-70%, as cited by Reddy, highlights the scale of change in India’s defence manufacturing landscape over the past decade and a half.