New list opens Rs 3,070 crore defence manufacturing opportunity for Indian industry
The Department of Defence Production (DDP) under the Ministry of Defence has notified the sixth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL), comprising 405 strategically important defence items with an estimated business potential of Rs 3,070 crore, in another major push to reduce India’s dependence on imported defence equipment.
The latest list includes 16 items for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and 389 items for Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). The items span line-replaceable units, sub-systems, sub-assemblies, spares, components and critical raw materials used across a wide range of defence platforms and systems.
The indigenisation list covers key air platforms, including the Advanced Light Helicopter, Light Utility Helicopter, Su-30MKI, Light Combat Aircraft and AL-31FP engine, as well as armoured platforms such as the T-72, T-90 and BMP-II.
It also includes components and systems linked to warships, Konkurs-M and Invar missile systems, MRSAM, radars, sonars, fire-control systems and satellite communication systems, along with High Explosive Anti-Tank ammunition** and other critical defence equipment.
Each item on the list carries an indicative timeline for indigenisation. Once successfully developed domestically, these products will be procured from Indian industry, creating additional opportunities for domestic manufacturers, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and defence start-ups.
The DPSUs and the Indian Coast Guard will pursue indigenisation through multiple routes, including the government’s ‘Make’ procedure and in-house development, with greater participation from private industry.
More from BusinessThe sixth PIL builds on the government’s broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat strategy to deepen domestic defence manufacturing, encourage investment and innovation, and reduce reliance on imports for strategically important military equipment.
The SRIJAN Defence Portal, launched by the DDP in August 2020, serves as the government’s dedicated platform for connecting DPSUs and service headquarters with Indian industry for the indigenous development and production of defence items.
Up to June 2026, the portal had facilitated the offer of more than 33,000 defence items for indigenisation by DPSUs and Service Headquarters. Of these, 5,012 items were notified under the first five Positive Indigenisation Lists.
The government said more than 15,700 defence items have been successfully indigenised over the last five years, generating an estimated import substitution value of around Rs 9,000 crore.
In addition, DPSUs have placed procurement orders, including through in-house production, worth approximately Rs 10,000 crore with domestic vendors up to March 2026, underscoring the growing role of Indian suppliers in the country’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
