In a significant effort to enhance self-reliance in defence manufacturing, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has announced the sixth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL). This list comprises 405 critical items with a projected business value of Rs 3,070 crore. The initiative is aimed at boosting opportunities for the Indian defence industry and promoting local manufacturing.

Singh stated on X that this strategic move is expected to strengthen the domestic defence ecosystem, encourage investment and innovation, and reduce reliance on external suppliers. The announcement reflects the government’s commitment to fostering indigenous capabilities in the defence sector.

Among the 405 items included in the new list, 16 are specifically related to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), while the majority, 389 items, are linked to Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). The items span a broad spectrum of defence systems, enhancing the nation’s operational capabilities.

Diverse Range of Items Included

The newly announced list features various categories, including Line Replaceable Units, sub-systems, spare parts, components, and raw materials necessary for multiple defence platforms and systems. Notable items encompass air platforms like the Advanced Light Helicopter, Light Utility Helicopter, Su-30MKI, Light Combat Aircraft, and the AL-31FP Engine.

Additionally, the list covers land and naval assets such as the T-72, T-90, BMP-II armoured vehicles, along with warships and missile systems like Konkurs-M, Invar, and MRSAM. Defence electronics have also been included, with components such as radars, sonars, fire control systems, and satellite communication systems, alongside High Explosive Anti-Tank ammunition.

Each listed item has an indicative timeline for indigenisation, which, once achieved, will lead to procurement from domestic manufacturers. Both DPSUs and the ICG are tasked with indigenisation through varied methods, including the ‘Make’ procedure and collaboration with domestic industries, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Support Through the SRIJAN Portal

The sixth PIL aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative designed to fortify India’s domestic defence manufacturing capacity. In line with this initiative, the Department of Defence Production (DDP) launched the SRIJAN Defence Portal in August 2020. This portal enables DPSUs and Service Headquarters to present defence items to the Indian industry for development and production of indigenous solutions.

By June 2026, the SRIJAN portal has facilitated the offering of over 33,000 defence items for indigenisation by DPSUs and Service Headquarters, including 5,012 items from the first five Positive Indigenisation Lists. The portal significantly contributes to the broader objective of enhancing indigenisation in defence production.

Moreover, over 15,700 defence items have already been successfully indigenised, resulting in an estimated import substitution value of approximately Rs 9,000 crore in the past five years. Consequently, DPSUs have initiated procurement orders, including those through in-house production, valued at around Rs 10,000 crore with local vendors, expected to complete by March 2026. This ongoing effort underlines the strength and potential of India’s defence manufacturing landscape.

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