In a major push to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports, the Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence, has notified the sixth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) comprising 405 strategically important defence items, with an estimated business potential of ₹3,070 crore.
The latest list covers a wide spectrum of defence equipment, including Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), sub-systems, sub-assemblies, spares, components and raw materials. Of the 405 items, 16 have been identified by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), while 389 relate to Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
The sixth PIL encompasses critical equipment associated with several frontline platforms and weapon systems. These include components and systems for the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Su-30MKI, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and AL-31FP engine, besides armoured platforms such as the T-72, T-90 and BMP-II.
The list also covers equipment for warships, missile systems such as Konkurs-M, Invar and MRSAM, as well as sophisticated defence electronics, including radars, sonars, fire-control systems and satellite communication systems. Critical ammunition and equipment, including High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) ammunition, have also been included.
Industry Opportunities:
Under the new indigenisation framework, each item carries an indicative timeline for indigenous development. Following successful development, the identified equipment will be procured from Indian industry, creating new opportunities for domestic manufacturers, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups.
The DPSUs and the Indian Coast Guard will pursue indigenisation through multiple routes, including the ‘Make’ procedure and in-house development, with greater participation from the private sector.
The move is expected to expand the domestic defence industrial base, encourage investment and technological innovation, and create additional opportunities for Indian companies across the defence supply chain.
SRIJAN Portal Driving Indigenous Development:
The initiative builds on the SRIJAN Defence Portal, launched by the Department of Defence Production in August 2020 as a dedicated platform for offering defence items identified by DPSUs and Service Headquarters (SHQs) to Indian industry for indigenous development and production.
Up to June 2026, the portal had facilitated the offering of more than 33,000 defence items for indigenisation by DPSUs and SHQs. This includes 5,012 items notified under the first five Positive Indigenisation Lists.
According to the Ministry of Defence, more than 15,700 defence items have been successfully indigenised, resulting in an estimated import-substitution value of approximately ₹9,000 crore over the past five years.
In addition, DPSUs have placed procurement orders—including in-house production—worth approximately ₹10,000 crore with domestic vendors up to March 2026.
Strengthening Defence Self-Reliance:
The sixth Positive Indigenisation List represents another significant milestone in the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence. By progressively identifying strategically important items for indigenous development, the policy aims to strengthen India’s domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem and build greater resilience across critical supply chains.
With the latest list covering systems and components linked to combat aircraft, helicopters, armoured vehicles, warships, missiles, sensors, communication systems and ammunition, the initiative is expected to deepen private-sector participation and accelerate the development of indigenous capabilities.
The latest notification reinforces the government’s broader objective of transitioning from import dependence towards a robust, technology-driven and globally competitive Indian defence industrial base.
