India’s defence industry is making a stronger push into European markets, as rising military spending creates new opportunities for Indian companies across the defence supply chain.
Companies including Tata Advanced Systems, Reliance Defence, Bharat Forge and Mahindra Defence have developed partnerships with European defence majors such as Dassault, Airbus and BAE Systems. Their involvement spans areas including artillery ammunition, aircraft manufacturing, defence components and technology.
The Czech Republic and France have already emerged as European buyers of Indian defence products. In 2023, the Czech Republic procured Indian mortar ammunition and tank shells, while France received India’s first export of 100,000 155mm M107 artillery shells in 2024.
India’s earlier defence procurement partnerships have also helped build domestic manufacturing capabilities. The Tata-Airbus C295 programme, Dassault-Reliance manufacturing operations and Mahindra-BAE Systems partnership are examples of collaborations that have strengthened India’s industrial base.
The opportunities extend beyond ammunition. Indian companies are increasingly positioned in aerospace components, UAVs, defence electronics, missiles and propulsion technology. Tata Advanced Systems, HAL, BEL, Adani Defence and Solar Industries are among the companies identified as having potential opportunities in these segments.
The shift represents a broader transition from offset-driven localisation to direct participation in global defence supply chains, giving Indian manufacturers an opportunity to move from producing for the domestic market to supplying international customers.
