India's annual defence production rose to an all-time high of Rs 1.78 lakh crore in the financial year 2025-26, more than doubling in five years as the government's push for self-reliance in military manufacturing gathered pace.The record output marks a 15.6 per cent increase from Rs 1.54 lakh crore in FY 2024-25 and a 110 per cent jump from Rs 84,643 crore in FY 2020-21, according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Indigenous defence production has nearly quadrupled from Rs 43,746 crore in FY 2013-14, underscoring the rapid expansion of domestic manufacturing capabilities.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the milestone, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and the efforts of stakeholders across the sector. "Under the inspiring leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi, India's defence production is reaching new heights every year. I am delighted to inform everyone that India's annual defence production has surged to an all-time high of Rs 1.78 lakh crore in the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26," Singh said in a post on X.— rajnathsingh (@rajnathsingh) The ministry said Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and other public sector units accounted for around 76 per cent of the total production during FY26, while the private sector contributed 24 per cent. The private sector's share increased from 22 per cent in the previous fiscal and touched an all-time high of nearly Rs 42,000 crore, reflecting its growing role in the country's defence manufacturing ecosystem.The surge in domestic production also translated into record defence exports. India exported military equipment worth Rs 38,424 crore during FY26, the highest ever, the ministry said.Calling the rise in output an indicator of India's expanding defence industrial base, Singh said the achievement was the result of the "collective efforts of the Department of Defence Production and all other stakeholders". He added that sustained policy support, new initiatives, increasing private sector participation and rising export capabilities would continue to accelerate growth in the sector.