India lists 405 more defence items for local production to cut imports

The Department of Defence Production (DDP) has notified the sixth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL), comprising 405 strategically important defence items with an estimated business potential of ₹3,070 crore. The move is part of the government's ongoing efforts to reduce dependence on imported defence equipment and promote domestic manufacturing.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the items on the list will be procured from Indian industry after their successful indigenous development. The list includes line replaceable units, sub-systems, sub-assemblies, spares, components, and raw materials. Of the 405 items, 16 pertain to the Indian Coast Guard, while 389 are associated with defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs).

The items span a wide range of platforms and systems, including the advanced light helicopter (ALH), light utility helicopter (LUH), Su-30MKI, light combat aircraft (LCA), and the AL-31FP engine. The list also covers components for armoured platforms such as the T-72, T-90, and BMP-II, as well as warships and missile systems, including Konkurs-M, Invar, and MRSAM. Defence electronics such as radars, sonars, fire-control systems, and satellite communication systems are also included. High explosive anti-tank ammunition and other critical equipment feature in the list.

The detailed list, along with indicative timelines for indigenisation, has been uploaded on the SRIJAN Defence Portal. The DPSUs and the Indian Coast Guard will undertake indigenisation through various routes, including the 'Make' procedure and in-house development, with greater participation from domestic industry, particularly MSMEs.

The sixth indigenisation list builds on the government's broader push under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The objective is to expand opportunities for Indian industry, promote investment and innovation, strengthen the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem, and reduce import dependence.

The SRIJAN Defence Portal was launched by the DDP in August 2020 as a dedicated platform for DPSUs and service headquarters to offer defence items to Indian industry, including MSMEs and start-ups, for indigenous development and production. Since its launch, more than 33,000 defence items have been offered for indigenisation by DPSUs and Service Headquarters up to June 2026. Of these, 5,012 items were notified under the first five positive indigenisation lists.

More than 15,700 defence items have been successfully indigenised over the last five years, resulting in an estimated import substitution value of about ₹9,000 crore. In addition, DPSUs have placed procurement orders, including through in-house production, worth approximately ₹10,000 crore with domestic vendors up to March 2026.

The latest list reflects the government's sustained focus on self-reliance in defence production. By identifying specific components and sub-systems for local development, the initiative aims to create a robust ecosystem where domestic manufacturers, including small and medium enterprises, can contribute to national security while generating economic growth.