India's defence sector is expected to see a sharp rise in the adoption of indigenous technologies and a significant increase in employment opportunities over the next few years, according to a new survey.
The survey, conducted by Nexgen Exhibitions Pvt Ltd (NEPL), found that growing geopolitical tensions and evolving security challenges are likely to accelerate the use of indigenous technologies across the defence and homeland security sectors.
According to the findings, the value of indigenous technology adoption in these sectors is expected to rise from $27 billion in 2025 to $36.45 billion over the next three years. The growth is expected to be driven by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems and quantum computing.
The survey gathered responses from more than 1,500 defence experts, defence-tech startups, technology innovators and industry stakeholders across Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Pune, according to news agency PTI.
Around 68 per cent of respondents said they expect jobs linked to indigenous technology in the defence and homeland security sectors to increase five-fold in the coming years. The survey also pointed to strong employment growth in the sector, with formal hiring expected to rise from about 10,000 positions in 2025 to nearly 50,000 jobs over the next five years.
According to the survey, India is increasingly positioning itself as a hub for indigenous defence technology and innovation, in line with the government's push for self-reliance in strategic sectors.
NEPL managing director Sangeeta Bansal said the findings reflect the growing importance of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in shaping India's defence and homeland security landscape.
"The government's Vision 2047 and our survey findings highlight how Aatmanirbhar Bharat is now central to India's defence and homeland security strategy," Bansal said.
To further support this push towards self-reliance, the 11th International Police Expo and the 10th India Homeland Security Expo will be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on June 24-25, 2026.
The events are expected to bring together government officials, armed forces personnel, police leaders, defence manufacturers, technology companies and experts from more than 25 countries. More than 200 companies are expected to participate, showcasing technologies related to policing, homeland security, forensics, arms and ammunition, drones, anti-drone systems, surveillance, cybersecurity and defence.
