From Su-30MKI to MRSAM: 405 defence items targeted for Indian production
New Delhi: The Centre has expanded its push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing with the notification of the sixth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL), covering 405 strategically important items with an estimated business potential of Rs 3,070 crore.
The list was notified by the Department of Defence Production (DDP) under the Ministry of Defence. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the initiative would create greater opportunities for Indian manufacturers while strengthening the country's domestic defence industrial base.
In a post on X, Singh said the move would expand opportunities for Indian industry, strengthen the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem, promote investment and innovation, and help reduce dependence on imports.
Of the 405 items included in the latest list, 16 are for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and 389 are linked to Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
Wide range of defence equipment covered
According to the Ministry of Defence, the sixth PIL covers Line Replaceable Units, sub-systems, sub-assemblies, spares, components and raw materials required for a range of military platforms and systems.
The items include equipment used in aircraft and helicopters such as the Advanced Light Helicopter, Light Utility Helicopter, Su-30MKI, Light Combat Aircraft and AL-31FP Engine.
The list also covers armoured platforms including the T-72, T-90 and BMP-II, as well as warships and missile systems such as Konkurs-M, Invar and MRSAM.
Several critical defence electronics have also been included, covering radars, sonars, fire control systems and satellite communication systems. High Explosive Anti-Tank ammunition and other key defence equipment also feature in the list.
Each item has been assigned an indicative timeline for indigenisation. Once the required equipment is successfully developed within India, it will be procured from domestic manufacturers.
MSMEs and startups to play key role
The DPSUs and the Indian Coast Guard will pursue indigenisation through multiple routes, including the government's 'Make' procedure and in-house development. Domestic companies, particularly MSMEs, are expected to participate in the process.
The latest list is part of the government's broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat push to reduce India's dependence on imported defence equipment and expand domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The SRIJAN Defence Portal, launched by the DDP in August 2020, provides a platform through which DPSUs and Service Headquarters can offer defence products and equipment to Indian companies, including MSMEs and start-ups, for indigenous development and manufacturing.
Over 15,700 defence items indigenised
The SRIJAN portal has facilitated the offer of more than 33,000 defence items for indigenisation by DPSUs and Service Headquarters up to June 2026. Of these, 5,012 items were included in the first five Positive Indigenisation Lists.
More than 15,700 defence items have been successfully indigenised, resulting in an estimated import substitution value of around Rs 9,000 crore over the past five years.
The Ministry said DPSUs had also placed procurement orders, including through in-house production, worth approximately Rs 10,000 crore with domestic vendors up to March 2026.