India's defence manufacturing sector has reached a significant milestone with the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) clearing capital proposals worth ₹790 billion in its winter session. This substantial approval has pushed FY26 year-to-date approvals to nearly ₹3.3 trillion, representing almost twice the annual defence capital outlay of ₹1.8 trillion. While these represent Acceptance of Necessity rather than immediate orders, the scale and diversity materially de-risk order inflows for the sector over the next two to four years.

Comprehensive Defence Modernisation Drive

The latest approvals demonstrate a balanced approach to defence modernisation, spanning multiple categories and services. The pipeline covers both high-value marquee programs and recurring electronics and systems-led procurement, supporting steadier execution and revenue visibility for defence manufacturers.

The extension of the emergency procurement window until mid-January 2026 further strengthens near-term activity prospects, enabling fast-track purchases of critical equipment and mitigating potential delays from earlier deadline lapses.

Structural Transformation in Defence Procurement

A notable trend emerging from the approval pipeline is the growing emphasis on integrated systems rather than standalone equipment. This shift encompasses sensors, communications, command-and-control, and kinetic elements working in coordination. Indigenous air defence architectures, advanced simulators, and network-centric surveillance solutions highlight this strategic transformation.

Large-ticket missile and air defence programs form a substantial portion of the approval pipeline, alongside integrated electronic warfare systems and unmanned solutions. Export orientation is simultaneously gaining traction, with indigenous systems attracting interest from multiple international markets, offering incremental growth beyond domestic demand.

Bharat Dynamics: Strong Execution and Growth Trajectory

Bharat Dynamics has demonstrated exceptional performance in Q2FY26, delivering impressive financial results as supply-chain conditions improved.

The company maintains a robust order book worth ₹235 billion across key programs including Akash, Astra Mk-1, and Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs). Additionally, a pipeline exceeding ₹500 billion and rising export contribution targeted at 25% provides strong multi-year execution visibility and diversified growth drivers.

Projected growth expectations for Bharat Dynamics include 35% revenue CAGR, 64% EBITDA CAGR, and 51% PAT CAGR over FY25-28, driven by execution ramp-up, higher indigenisation, and operating leverage benefits. Return metrics are expected to strengthen significantly, with RoE and RoCE rising to 25.20% and 25.60% respectively by FY28.

Astra Microwave Products: Transition to Full-System Solutions

Astra Microwave Products has successfully transitioned from a subsystem supplier to a comprehensive full-system solutions provider in RF and microwave systems. The company maintains an order book of ₹22 billion as of September and has delivered consistent growth with 13% revenue CAGR during FY21-25.

The company targets significant opportunities across multiple segments including AESA and Uttam radars, meteorological projects, Navy repeat orders, and counter-drone systems. Revenue growth acceleration is anticipated during FY27-30 as larger orders are awarded by the Ministry of Defence and defence PSUs.

Outlook and Strategic Implications

With FY26 approvals already far exceeding annual capital outlays, India's defence sector enters the coming years with one of its strongest procurement pipelines in recent memory. The combination of emergency purchases, large missile and air defence programs, and electronics-heavy systems positions defence manufacturing for sustained order inflows, improved capacity utilisation, and enhanced strategic relevance within India's broader industrial landscape.

Execution timelines remain a critical factor, as Acceptance of Necessity approvals must navigate contracting processes, production ramp-ups, and delivery schedules. Budgetary allocations and the pace of conversion from approvals to firm orders will determine the realisation of projected growth across the sector.

The Indian government is considering a substantial 20-25% increase in the defence budget for FY27, alongside confirmed enhancements in research and development funding. The defence R&D budget has been increased to ₹35,000 crore from the current ₹27,000 crore, representing a significant ₹8,000 crore boost. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the government's commitment to strengthening indigenous defence capabilities through increased funding and private sector participation.

Defence Budget Enhancement Framework

The potential 20-25% increase in the overall defence budget for FY27 would mark a significant expansion in India's defence spending capabilities. This increase comes alongside the confirmed R&D budget enhancement, creating a multi-layered approach to defence sector strengthening.

Private Sector Integration and Equal Opportunities

The government is implementing a comprehensive policy framework that allows private firms to bid alongside Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in defence procurement processes. Private companies will receive equal financial backing for research and development activities, similar to the support provided to public sector entities. This creates a level playing field in the defence innovation ecosystem and procurement processes.

Strategic Implications for Defence Modernization

The combination of increased defence budget allocation, enhanced R&D funding, and private sector integration represents a transformative approach to India's defence capabilities. The additional ₹8,000 crore in R&D funding, coupled with the potential 20-25% overall budget increase, will support advanced research initiatives and procurement across both public and private sector entities.

The government's multi-pronged strategy of increasing the defence budget by 20-25% for FY27, boosting R&D allocation to ₹35,000 crore, and enabling private firms to compete equally with PSUs positions India's defence sector for significant advancement and reduced import dependence.