India’s defence industry is a crucial strategic sector for the country. With about 14.4 lakh active personnel, India has one of the world’s largest military forces. With around 51 lakh volunteers, it boasts the world’s largest volunteer military. The Indian military has a total budget of 4.78 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2021. After the United States and China, it has the fourth largest yearly defence spending. It is the world’s second-largest defence importer, after Saudi Arabia, accounting for 9.2% of worldwide arms imports.
The current geopolitical tensions arising on both global and domestic levels have intensified the positive interests of the Indian defence sector. The shift in the market outlook could be attributed to the ongoing Russia – Ukraine conflict and the shift of the government towards import substitution policies in the defence industry.
Russia – Ukraine Conflict
Russia accounts for 66% of our total defence imports. With the geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine, most economies have increased their military spending, which has established a need to move away from reliance on Russia. India is no exception, and as indigenisation progresses, a new opportunity in the sector has developed.
In the midst of the present Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Indian government announced a list of 107 sub-systems that will be barred from import and indigenized over the next six years.
Several items on the list are for T-90 and T 72 tanks, warships, helicopters, infantry combat vehicles, missiles, ammo, and radars, among other things, all of which are purchased from Russia or Ukraine.
Subsystems, or strategically critical line-replacement units, will now be “indigenised,” or sourced exclusively from Indian manufacturers. From December 2022 to December 2028, the import of certain products will be phased out.
Two thousand and five hundred imported articles have already been indigenised from that list, and the remaining 351 will be phased out over the following three years.
Budget 2022-23 – A move towards “Atma Nirbhar India”
The government has given the defence sector a boost in order to make India self-sufficient in the defence sector. Domestic industry would receive 68 percent of the capital procurement budget of the defence industry in 2022-23, up from 58 percent in 2021-22.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who presented the Union Budget in Parliament, also said that 25% of the budget for defence research and development (R&D) will be set aside for collaboration with the private sector.
The increased share for domestic procurement is anticipated to promote domestic industry confidence and provide them a better sense of the size of the market. At the same time, it sends a strong message to foreign firms about Modi’s commitment to indigenisation. The signalling is likely to drive foreign businesses to adjust their business strategies, moving away from directly obtaining defence contracts from the Ministry of Defence and toward securing them through industrial cooperation with their Indian counterparts.
Analysis of India’s Defence Spending
Defence allocation has always been a key focus in the budget announced every year, and due it’s high investment and significance in the economic, and national interests; it is vital to examine its overall impact.
(Times of India)
India’s total defence budget has grown by an average of 9% in the last 10 years. For 2022 – 23, the overall defence budget of 5,25,166 crore, including 1,19,696 crore for defence pensions, representing a 9.8% increase over the previous year’s total outlay.
An analysis of the 2022-23 budget indicates an allocation of 51% to the army personnel, down from the 54% share of last year’s budget. The Air Force’s allocation remains unchanged at 23% and the Navy has been allocated a 17% share in the defence budget.
The Indian Army continues to be the largest investor in the defence budget among the three armies due to its sheer size. However, it’s worth noting that the Army’s capital portion was the lowest of the three armies.
Further, here is a detailed allocation of the 2022-23 Defence Budget in the Indian economy:
| Army | Navy | Air Force | |
| Revenue Expenditure (INR – Bn) | 1648.98 | 254.06 | 328.73 |
| Capital Expenditure (INR Bn) | 321.35 | 475.91 | 568.52 |
| Total (INR Bn) | 1970.33 | 729.97 | 897.25 |
| Revenue Expenditure (%) | 84 | 35 | 37 |
| Capital Expenditure (%) | 16 | 65 | 63 |
Only 16 percent of the total money allotted for the Army was for capital investment, while the balance was for revenue expenditure. The revenue spending category covers salaries and establishment upkeep, whereas the capital expenditure category includes the procurement of new weapons, platforms, and military hardware.
The Army’s capital share has been steadily declining over the previous few years, according to the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), since peaking at 26% in 2007-08.
Projected Outlook for Investing in the Defence Sector
The government’s recognition of the need for an import substitution strategy is already driving up defence stocks. The desire for self-sufficiency is providing a powerful tailwind.
As India advances toward lowering imports and becoming a major exporter, things could turn out rather good for defence businesses, both state and private.
A boom in defence equities could be initiated due to the change in the market prospect. Here we would further probe into the major two factors being the increase in budget for the defence sector and import substitution by the government for defence supplies and there possible impact on the defence stock market.
Budget increase for defence
According to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI),
India’s defence budget increased by 76 percent between 2011 and 2020, compared to a global average of 9%.
The Indian government is expected to spend more than US$130 billion on military modernization over the next 7-8 years. The 2022-23 budget is a testament of the above statement, with a 10% increase in the defence budget. This is expected to provide a positive outlook for the market.
Ban on imports
India has relied on Russia for defence supplies and technological transfers for many years. Russia, on the other hand, is suffering a major setback as a result of international sanctions imposed in response to its invasion of Ukraine. As a result, the Indian government has already taken strong strides in the defence sector to make India Atma Nirbhar.
Several Russian weapon subsystems, including warships, helicopters, tanks, infantry combat vehicles, missiles, ammunition, and radars, were recently blacklisted as part of a new list of 107 defence products. These items are imported by Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL), Bharat Electronics, BEML, and other unlisted Indian defence businesses. In light of escalating geopolitical tensions, it appears that the import prohibition is hastening the push for self-sufficiency. This is further a positive inclination to the investors in the defence sector.
Major Indian Defence Companies
Hindustan Aeronautics
The company is in the aeroplane and helicopter manufacturing and maintenance business. It is the only Indian enterprise dedicated to the production of aviation equipment.
The Indian Air Force, Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, ISRO, and a number of other state governments are among Hindustan Aeronautics’ customers. The company also exports its planes to countries like the United States, Vietnam, France, Russia, and Thailand.
Its revenues increased at a CAGR of 4.2 percent over the last three years, thanks to expansion in the repair and overhaul area. Profits increased at a CAGR of 11.5 percent over the same time period.
Hindustan Aeronautics is a debt-free firm with no long-term debt obligations and a dividend payout ratio of 32.6 percent over the last three years.
During the budget 2022-2023, the corporation will profit from the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ program and a bigger allocation of funds to the defence sector.
It currently operates 20 manufacturing and R&D facilities in nine sites around the country. The corporation is expanding its manufacturing capabilities by establishing a defence helicopter manufacturing unit in Karnataka.
Mazagon Docks
Its main activity is the construction and repair of ships, submarines, and other types of vessels. Cargo ships, passenger ships, water tankers, fishing trawlers, destroyers, conventional submarines, and corvettes are among the company’s offerings. In the next few years, it also intends to develop underwater heavy engineering equipment and offshore platforms.
The dockyard of Mazagon Dock Ships is strategically placed in Mumbai, close to its important clients, such as the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, as well as its vendors, allowing for efficient material sourcing.
Its revenues in fiscal year 2021 were 46,223 million, down from 54,632 million the previous year. In the fiscal year 2021, the company’s net profit margin was 11.2 percent, up from 7.7 percent the previous year. Revenues increased by 42.8 percent year over year, while profits increased by 54.4 percent year over year, owing to larger orders.
The business can now manufacture ships up to 4,000 DWT. Its capacity is being increased by the construction of a new greenfield shipyard in Navi Mumbai.
Bharat Electronics
The company’s main business is the production of radar, communication, and electronic warfare equipment. Non-defense products, software, and electronic manufacturing services are among the company’s diverse product offerings. In India, Bharat Electronics has nine production plants and two research and development centres. The corporation aims for innovation and spends 7.5 percent of its revenue on research and development, which is the highest among defence PSUs.
The Indian Election Commission, DRDO, ISRO, All India Radio, Railways, and other private and public organisations are among the company’s customers. Botswana, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Russia, the United States, and South Africa are among the nations to which it sends its goods.
Over the last three years, Bharat Electronics’ revenues have increased at a CAGR of 4.8 percent. Profits have increased at a CAGR of 3.8 percent as well. Revenues increased 59.5 percent year over year due to a rise in non-defense revenue, according to the company’s most recent quarterly reports. Profits increased by 116.5 percent year over year.
A healthy order book indicates that the organisation is likely to generate revenue in the medium future. It intends to increase non-defense revenues, which now account for 7% of total income.
Avantel Soft Limited
For military applications, the company is developing tailored solutions for Indian National Satellite (INSAT)-based communication services. It also creates wireless defence electronics, radar systems, and software for the defence and aerospace industries.
The Indian army, railways, air force, ISRO, DRDO, Boeing, and L&T are among the company’s customers. Long-standing relationships with all of the company’s customers have made it easier for the company to collaborate on new projects with them.
Over the last three years, Avantel Soft has had consistent revenue growth of 15% CAGR. This was due to the substantial revenue generated by the company’s satellite communication (SATCOM) devices. Over the same time period, the company’s profits increased at a CAGR of 17%.
Revenues are expected to increase in 2022 as a result of a strong order book. The Indian Navy and Bharat Electronics have placed large orders, which will generate revenue for the next two fiscal years. The company will benefit from the government’s continuing backing and increased financial allocations to its end client sectors, such as railways, army, and navy.
Bharat Dynamics Limited
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is an Indian ammunition and missile system manufacturer. BDL has three manufacturing facilities: Kanchanbagh in Hyderabad, Telangana; Bhanur in Telangana’s Medak district; and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Two new plants would be built in Ibrahimpatnam, Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district, and Amravati, Maharashtra.
The Government of India has designated BDL as a Mini Ratna – Category-I Company for its constant profitability. BDL is poised to enter new avenues of manufacturing, covering a wide range of weapon systems such as Surface to Air Missiles, Air Defense Systems, HeavyWeight Torpedoes, and Air to Air Missiles, making it a defence equipment manufacturer, in order to keep up with the modernisation of the Indian Armed Forces. BDL has also ventured into the field of missile refurbishment.
The Indian Army awarded the firm a contract of Rs 3,131.82 crore on February 2, 2022. The contract will last three years and will cover the manufacture and supply of Konkurs – M Anti-Tank Guided Missiles to the Indian Army. BDL’s order book now stands at Rs 11,400 crore (net) as a result of this contract, according to a stock exchange filing.
BDL manufactures the Konkurs – M under a licence agreement with a Russian OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). The missile has been indigenized to the fullest extent possible. According to BDL, the Konkurs-M missile is also available for export to friendly foreign governments.
BDL is receiving leads for the missile’s export from roughly nine countries. In addition to the domestic market, BDL is eyeing international customers to help the company consolidate its order books and become a global exporter of missile systems, which is a first of its type. Aside from Akash and LightWeight Torpedoes, your company also sells Air to Air Missiles, Air to Surface Weapons, ATG Ms, Heavyweight Torpedoes, and CounterMeasure Systems, according to the firm.
Over the last three years, the company has maintained a respectable ROCE of 25.46 percent. The company’s debt has been reduced by 2.17 million dollars, making it almost debt-free. With a respectable interest coverage ratio of 73.34, the company is in good shape.
Astra Microwave Products Ltd
Astra Microwave Products Ltd is a company that specialises in the design and manufacture of high-value RF and microwave super components and subsystems for use in military, space, and civil communication systems. By including customers in the early stages of new product development, the company has been able to carve out a place for itself and form strong relationships with its customers. VSAT operations, radars, navigational equipment, public mobile trunked radio (PMTR), WLL Cellular GSM/DCS, or PCS networks all employ the company’s products.
The company reported a Consolidated Total Income of Rs 203.44 Crore for the quarter ended December 31, 2021, up 11.56 percent from the previous quarter’s Total Income of Rs 182.37 Crore and up 11.60 percent from the same period last year’s Total Income of Rs 182.30 Crore. In the most recent quarter, the company generated a net profit after tax of Rs 11.32 crore.
For the past three years, the company has grown its revenue by 18.19 percent. With a current ratio of 2.01, the company has a strong liquidity position. The last one year sales growth stands at a robust 27.64%.
Paras Defence
Defence electronics and space application devices are manufactured by Paras Defence and Space Technologies Limited. Defence automation and control, rugged displays, computing, sensors, missile motors, rockets, telescopes, weapons and ammunition, and special purpose machinery are all available through the company.
It has a strong position financially as the operating margin of Paras Defence & Space for the current financial year is 32.55 %, thus establishing a high operating efficiency. One of the biggest strengths of the company lies in its 58.94% of promoter holding.
A wide range of defence and space engineering products and solutions are designed, developed, manufactured, and tested by the company. It is also the only Indian producer of crucial imaging components such as big size lenses and diffractive gratings for space applications.
Both of the company’s facilities are in Maharashtra, in the cities of Navi Mumbai and Thane. Product design, product engineering, product simulation, prototyping, and testing are among the company’s R&D competencies. Contracts from government arms and allied institutions, such as defence public sector undertakings and government organisations interested in space research, are essential to the company’s revenue stream.
The government’s focus on defence has remained constant, and Indian industries are considered as important benefactors of the Centre’s programmes like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. While Paras Defence will profit from the same, the company’s strength continues to prosper in it’s R&D and relationships with a variety of customers.
Apollo Microsystems
Apollo Micro Systems Limited is a corporation that specialises in electrical and electromechanical engineering design, manufacture, and distribution. The company designs, develops, and distributes high-performance mission and time critical solutions to Defence Space and HomeLand Security for the Ministry of Defence government controlled public sector undertakings and private sectors,
With an ROE of 6.37% over the past 3 years, Apollo Microsystems has maintained a steady and healthy liquidity position with a current ratio of 2.07.
BEL, a defence public sector undertaking (PSU), awarded the Company a supply order worth Rs 49.86 crore in 2021, with a repeat order clause for up to 120 percent of the units originally ordered.
Data Patterns India Pvt Ltd
Data Patterns was founded in 1985 and is one of the only vertically integrated defence and aerospace electronics solutions providers with design capabilities spanning the entire spectrum (air, land and sea). Avionics, missile systems, radars, electronic warfare, satellites, and communications are among its capabilities.
Data Patterns reported a 41 percent CAGR in order book growth from FY18 to FY21, owing to the advancement of big orders from development to production, particularly in the EW and radars arena. At the end of December, the order book was at Rs 5.8 billion (1.9 times TTM sales), led by a strong mix of orders from the MoD, BrahMos, DRDO, ISRO, HAL, and others.
For the past three years, the company has shown a good profit increase of 254.70 percent. The company’s debt has been reduced by 27.35 crores. Over the last few years, the company has maintained a respectable ROCE of 22.55 percent. For the past three years, the company has experienced a strong sales growth of 58.06 percent.
Data Patterns is in the midst of expanding its floor size and manufacturing capacity. It will also improve its capacity to handle huge and heavy equipment, the integration of large radars and mobile electronic warfare systems, and the satellite integration facility. It plans to expand its R&D skills across multiple sectors by purchasing new software, testing equipment, and other associated hardware.
NELCO Ltd
Nelco Limited produces automation and control products for the Indian army, including unattended ground sensors. The Tata VSAT Network is managed and operated by the company’s network systems division. Nelco Systems’ additional products include radios, radiograms, radio components, and other electrical items, as well as property development.
Focusing on the financials, the company’s debt has been reduced by $20.08 million. Over the last three years, the company has maintained a respectable ROE of 31.98 percent. The company’s Cash Conversion Cycle is 55.00 days, which is quite efficient. Over the last three years, the company has maintained a respectable ROCE of 23.03 percent, giving it a strong foundation to grow and prosper.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd, based in Kolkata, West Bengal, is one of India’s leading shipyards. It constructs and repairs both commercial and naval ships. In order to increase its company, GRSE has recently begun manufacturing export ships. For ship modelling and design, it includes a big Computer Aided Design (CAD) centre. For plate preparation and steel manufacturing, there are four workshops.
Despite competition from China, Indian warship builder Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) is pursuing orders from India’s periphery, Southeast Asia, and Africa in order to expand its order book.
In the next five years, the company’s defence sector public sector unit (PSU), which presently generates 7% of its overall revenue from exports, hopes to grow that to 25% – 30%. Guyana and Bangladesh have placed commercial orders with the company for the construction of an ocean-going passenger/cargo vessel in the former and patrol boats for the fishery department in the latter.
GRSE has inked preliminary pacts with DCNS of France and Gibbs and Cox of the United States for collaboration in ship design to enhance exports, in order to improve its chances in commercial shipbuilding.
The defence PSU recently received a fully assembled crane from South Korea, weighing more than 1,600 tonnes, which was sent to Kolkata. The new crane would aid in the production of the 23 platforms on the GRSE’s current order book, which includes six projects. The Indian Navy has ordered three of the six projects, including the construction of stealth frigates, survey vessels, and anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft.
GRSE recently inked a concessionary agreement with Kolkata Port Trust (KPT) to legally take over three docks from KPT, which will be used for not just military but also commercial vessel refits and repairs.
In the last three years, the company’s profit has increased by 18.43%. The biggest strength of the company is that it is almost debt-free. With an interest coverage ratio of 18.31, the company is in good shape.
The company’s cash flow is well-managed, with a CFO/PAT ratio of 1.45. The company’s promoters own 74.50 percent of the corporation. The firm has a high level of operating leverage, with an average operating leverage of 6.51. It has offers lucrative growth opportunities in the upcoming years.
Premier Explosives Ltd.
Premier Explosives Limited (PEL) is one of the largest enterprises in the world, producing a wide range of explosives and accessories for civil use. It was founded by A.N.Gupta, a Gold Medalist in Mining Engineering, as a Small Scale unit in 1980. Its current annual turnover is at Rs. 600 million. The company’s annual export earnings are at Rs. 200 million.
PEL is India’s first producer to use entirely indigenous technology. PEL offers the broadest variety of products and technologies in the explosives and accessories industry. Emulsion and slurry explosives, LD cartridge explosives, Bulk Explosives, Small–dia non–permitted explosives, Permitted explosives, Cast Boosters, Pillow–packs for secondary blasting, Detonating Fuse of various core–loads, Plain detonators, Instantaneous Electric Detonators, Electric Delay Detonators, Permitted Detonators, and Cord Relays are some of its wide range of services.
Premier Explosives has positioned itself in a very opportunistic space and as a pioneer in manufacturing and supplying solid propellants to India’s prestigious missile programs. It possesses various Industrial licences for production and it is also a member of Missile Technologies Control Group (MTCR), India with access to advanced technologies.
The company’s manufacturing facilities are capable of handling higher volumes and new product requirements. The Greenfield project at Katepally (near Hyderabad) is about 150 acres with another 100 acres of land available for further expansion.
Premier Explosives Limited stated in 2021 that it has received an order for the manufacture and supply of Warheads from Israel Aerospace Industries Limited (IAI). The transaction is worth $ 134,935. Premier Explosives has received its first order for warheads, which will be produced at the company’s new production plant in Katepally, Telangana. Items ordered are scheduled to arrive within 12 months.
The company also has good cash flow management; its CFO/PAT stands at 1.48.
Conclusion
Military spending has increased globally over the last decade, showing rising demand for defence goods. To meet this rising need, India’s government opened up the defence sector to private companies.
To boost exports, the government is also modernising its defence equipment. India now exports defence equipment to 42 nations and is ranked 19th among the world’s top defence exporters in 2019.
The government recently committed 5.23 lakh crore to the defence sector in its budget.
All of this suggests that the defence industry will expand rapidly in the next few years.
The current trends are opening up great opportunities for investment in the defence sector. But a careful consideration should be done before investment as companies in the defence business may suffer technological, contractual, and policy-related risks. Contractual risks arise when businesses must cope with payment cycles that are dependent on their financial health. Unexpected changes to defence procurement policy could have a negative impact on firms, posing a special risk to margins.