In a significant advancement for India’s defense manufacturing sector, NIBE Limited has clinched a substantial export contract valued at USD 17.52 million (approximately INR 150.62 crore) from a well-known technology firm based in Israel. This agreement involves the production and delivery of advanced Universal Rocket Launchers, marking a historic moment as it is the first time such a long-range system—capable of hitting targets up to 300 kilometers away—will be manufactured in India for international markets.
These launchers are comparable to contemporary systems such as the Precise & Universal Launching System (PULS), developed by Israel’s Elbit Systems. Renowned for their versatility, these systems can deploy a wide range of rockets and munitions. Importantly, they can be integrated with state-of-the-art loitering munitions, like the SkyStriker drones, which boast a strike range exceeding 100 kilometers and are engineered for precision strikes in complex operational situations.
This export order is viewed as a crucial enhancement to India’s defense export capabilities and represents a significant milestone for NIBE Limited, which has emerged as a noteworthy player in the defense manufacturing landscape. The contract highlights the growing international confidence in India’s expanding technological and industrial capacity, marking a shift from being a major arms importer to establishing itself as a competitive exporter in the global defense arena.
The announcement comes at a time when India is aggressively pursuing self-reliance through the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Over the last ten years, the nation has systematically aimed to reduce its reliance on foreign defense equipment while bolstering indigenous design and production capabilities. Official data indicates that India’s defense exports reached Rs 23,622 crore in FY 2024-25, reflecting a 12.04% increase from the previous year. The government has set an ambitious goal of achieving a total defense production target of Rs 1,75,000 crore by 2025.
NIBE Limited’s achievement is being celebrated by defense analysts and policymakers as a testament to India’s advancements in high-end military manufacturing. The capability to produce and export sophisticated systems, such as universal rocket launchers with drone integration, underscores the nation’s growing expertise in developing modular, scalable, and combat-ready solutions.
This development mirrors a broader transformation within India’s defense sector. The country now ranks fourth globally in terms of military strength, according to the Global Power Index, boasting a formidable firepower score of 0.0979. In addition to NIBE, other Indian companies, including JSW Defence and Paras Defence & Space Technologies, are making significant investments in drone systems, electro-optics, and satellite technologies—critical sectors influencing the future of modern warfare.
As India fortifies its relationships with allied nations and cultivates new partnerships within the international defense market, this export order stands as a notable achievement for the nation. It signals India’s preparedness not only to safeguard its own borders but also to play a significant role in global security through innovation, reliability, and a commitment to self-reliant defense production.
