Indian military drone exports set to enter multifold growth phase

An Indian Army officer displays a cutting-edge surveillance drone in Kargil, India, on July 26, 2025. India’s military drone manufacturers have ambitions to increase overseas shipments of the weapons, which likely made up less than 5% of total defense exports in the fiscal year that ended in March. (Photo by Nasir Kachroo/NurPhoto via Getty Images) MUMBAI — The Indian military drone manufacturing industry is expected to enter a phase of rapid growth in coming years, as the order books of local makers swell following the South Asian nation’s conflict with Pakistan last year, which has boosted their profiles as low-cost makers.