NEW DELHI — The skies lit up during the four-day clash between India and Pakistan in May as drones were blasted from the air by missiles that showcased what New Delhi believes is a “new vision” of warfare.

India now hopes that the demonstration of its combat capabilities, which included a domestically developed “invisible shield” missile defence system, will fuel international demand.

“The operation was a sign of the new art of warfare, a glimpse of a new vision, technological advancements and self-reliance,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in August.

Long one of the world’s top arms importers, India is now determined to recast itself as a major producer and exporter of weapons.

Defence exports reached a record US$2.8 billion in 2024-25, still small compared to established players, but up 12 percent from the year before and 34 times higher than a decade ago.

Domestic defence production also surged to a record $18 billion, nearly doubling in five years.

India now exports defence equipment to more than 100 countries, with the United States, France and Armenia among the top buyers, according to the defence ministry.

Exports range from missiles, boats and artillery to radar systems, rocket launchers, software and electronic components.