Archive · 20 Sep 2026
India Reports Rising Defence Production and Exports Over Decade
India’s Defence Minister of State Sanjay Seth said the country is making and selling more defence equipment than it did a decade ago.
He said India is exporting this equipment to several countries.
Seth connected this progress to the goal of making India more self-reliant.
He was speaking at an air show in Meerut.
The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team flew nine aircraft during the event.
The planes made shapes in the sky and released smoke in the colours of India’s national flag.
About 50,000 people watched the show, according to organisers.
Seth said the performance could encourage young people to join the armed forces.
Some people could not reach the venue because of a long traffic jam.
Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth said India’s defence production and exports have risen significantly over the past decade.
Seth attributed the strengthening of defence capabilities to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Swadeshi” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”.
The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team performed for about 30 minutes using nine Hawk Mk-132 aircraft.
Around 50,000 people watched the second day of the air show in Meerut, according to organisers.
Traffic congestion prevented some spectators from reaching the venue, with several watching the display from the roadside.
- Who
- Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team, and spectators at the Meerut air show.
- What
- Seth reported a significant rise in India’s defence production and exports, while the Suryakiran team performed an aerial display.
- When
- September 20; the performance was held on the second day of a two-day air show.
- Where
- The New Integrated Township in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh; the aircraft took off from Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad.
- Why
- Seth said the event aimed to inspire young people to join the armed forces and promote patriotism and service.
- Defence exports
- Sanjay Seth said India is exporting defence equipment to several countries.
- Production trend
- Seth said defence production and exports have increased significantly over the past decade.
- Performing team
- The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team of the Indian Air Force.
- Aircraft
- Nine Hawk Mk-132 aircraft performed the display.
- Audience
- Around 50,000 people attended the second-day display, according to organisers.
- Show duration
- The aerial manoeuvres lasted around 30 minutes.
- Traffic disruption
- A traffic jam stretching around two kilometres kept some people from reaching the venue.