Rajnath Singh presents SIDM Champion Awards 2026; notes record defence exports of ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025-26
On 9 October 2026 in New Delhi, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh presented 15 SIDM Champion Awards 2026 and said India’s defence exports reached a record ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025-26, growing over 60% year-on-year, with a ₹50,000 crore export target by 2029.
Summary
At the 8th Annual Session of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers in New Delhi on 9 October 2026, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh presented 15 SIDM Champion Awards recognising indigenous technology, product innovation, design, import substitution, manufacturing excellence and exports. He said defence exports hit a record ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025-26 (over 60% growth) and reiterated the target of ₹50,000 crore by 2029. He also urged raising the private sector’s share in total defence production from about 24% towards 50%, and highlighted policy tools such as DAP, DPM, Positive Indigenisation Lists, SRIJAN and iDEX.
Key facts
- Event
- SIDM Champion Awards 2026 at 8th Annual Session
- Awards presented
- 15 Champion Awards
- Defence exports FY 2025-26
- ₹38,424 crore (record; >60% growth)
- Export target
- ₹50,000 crore by 2029
- Private share goal
- Raise from ~24% toward 50% of defence production
Practice MCQs 2 questions
As stated by the Raksha Mantri on 9 October 2026, what was India’s defence export figure for FY 2025-26?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — ₹38,424 crore
How many SIDM Champion Awards 2026 did the Raksha Mantri present on 9 October 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 15