At present, India exports weapons systems and platforms to around 100 countries
Unlocking policy barriers hindering the global reach of indigenous weapon systems, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has simplified its defence export standard operating procedure (SOP) and open general export licence (OGEL) framework to ease compliance burdens and accelerate access to global markets.record productionThese reforms are expected to further strengthen the momentum of India’s defence manufacturing and export ecosystem, with defence production reaching an all-time high of ₹1.78 lakh crore and defence exports touching a record figure of ₹38,424 crore in FY26.India exports weapons systems and platforms such as BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Akash-1S surface-to-air missile, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, ATAGS 155mm howitzers and artillery shells, patrol vessels, lightweight torpedoes and armoured vehicles to around 100 countries, including to the US, France, Israel, Armenia, Philippines and Italy.Under the new defence export standard operating procedure, stakeholder consultation has been dispensed with for the export of non-lethal defence items to most destinations, while appropriate safeguards have been retained for sensitive countries, said the Minister in a statement on Friday.Ahead of the announcement, Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary, Department of Defence Production, had said at an Assocham event on Tuesday that the export licensing regime is being rationalised, with him delegating powers to a Joint Secretary in his department, and a one-time, multi-year export authorisation regime under consideration for long-term supply partners of global OEMs.The revised open general export licence (OGEL) framework will offer a standing one-time export authorisation that enables eligible exporters to self-generate export authorisations for multiple consignments of specified defence items, without seeking a separate authorisation for each consignment, the Ministry’s statement read. It provides greater flexibility while reducing repetitive procedural requirements.The MoD also stated that three existing OGEL SOPs covering major platforms and equipment, parts and components and intra-company transfer of technology, have been merged into one unified OGEL SOP, providing exporters with a common and simpler framework.The OGEL validity has been increased from two to three years, reducing the frequency of renewals and associated compliance requirements. Moreover, the OGEL coverage has been expanded from 41 to all countries, “except negative/sensitive nations and those facing UN Security Council sanctions or arms embargoes”.A new provision allows Indian companies with long-term contracts or agreements with foreign original equipment manufacturers (FOEMs) to obtain an OGEL for eligible items. Subject to prescribed conditions, the OGEL’s validity can be aligned directly with the duration of the underlying agreement.Undertaken under the guidance of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, these reforms seek to reduce procedural requirements, facilitate faster access to international markets and enable Indian defence companies to respond more effectively to global business opportunities, while ensuring that national security considerations remain fully safeguarded, the Ministry stated.The reforms are aimed at positioning India’s defence export regime towards a more comprehensive and facilitation-based system, reducing routine procedural requirements. At the same time it retains appropriate safeguards for sensitive items, technologies and destinations, the Ministry clarified.The measures are expected to benefit Indian defence manufacturers, including MSMEs, by enabling them to respond more quickly to international tenders and exhibitions, access wider global markets and reduce repetitive authorisation requirements.The move is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a reliable, competitive and trusted global defence manufacturing and export partner, while advancing the objectives of Make-in-India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the MoD observed.With defence production reaching an all-time high of ₹1.78 lakh crore and defence exports touching a record figure of ₹38,424 crore in FY26, these reforms further strengthen the momentum of India’s defence manufacturing and export ecosystem.Published on August 28, 2026
