Defence Budget May Rise 20-25% in FY27 with Enhanced R&D and Private Sector Integration
The Indian government is planning a comprehensive defence sector overhaul with a potential 20-25% budget increase for FY27, alongside a confirmed R&D budget enhancement to ₹35,000 crore. The policy framework now allows private firms to bid equally with PSUs and receive equivalent financial backing for research and development activities.

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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.
| Budget Component | Current Status | Projected Change |
|---|---|---|
| Defence R&D Budget | ₹35,000 crore | Increased from ₹27,000 crore |
| Overall Defence Budget (FY27) | Under consideration | 20-25% increase |
| R&D Growth Percentage | 29.63% | ₹8,000 crore increase |
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.
| Policy Initiative | Implementation Details |
|---|---|
| Private Sector Bidding | Equal rights with PSUs in procurement |
| R&D Financial Support | Equivalent backing for private and public firms |
| Budget Enhancement | Multi-tier increase across R&D and overall spending |
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.


























