New Delhi, June 17 -- Shares of defence stocks witnessed strong buying interest on Wednesday after the government announced that India's defence production touched an all-time high of Rs.1.78 lakh crore in FY26, highlighting the sector's rapid expansion and strengthening the long-term growth outlook for domestic manufacturers.

Paras Defence and Space Technologies emerged as the biggest gainer among listed defence stocks, rallying over 18% to Rs.1286.55. Data Patterns soared 6.6% to Rs.4773.70. Moreover, Bharat Dynamics and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers gained around 6% each to Rs.1310.30 and Rs.2817.30, respectively. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Cochin Shipyard advanced around 5% to Rs.4460.35 and Rs.1501.05, respectively....