India has moved beyond being mainly a buyer of military equipment and is now being seen as a defence technology exporter, according to a former DRDO scientist. The shift reflects growing confidence in homegrown systems and a broader push to build advanced capabilities within the country.
The assessment highlights a range of technologies that are helping define this change, including unmanned aerial vehicles, AI-based surveillance tools and electronic warfare systems. These areas point to a defence sector that is increasingly focused on modern battlefield requirements and locally developed innovation.
The former scientist also pointed to established Indian systems such as Pinaka, BrahMos and Akash as examples of defence products linked to this export story. Their mention suggests that India’s progress is not limited to emerging technologies alone, but also includes major platforms and weapons systems developed through long-term domestic programmes.
At the centre of this transformation is DRDO, which was described as a key force in building the wider defence technology ecosystem. The overall picture is of an industry that is expanding from research and development into production, deployment and exports, marking an important stage in India’s defence technology journey.
