India is on a determined path to achieving self-reliance in ammunition manufacturing by 2025-26, a goal that presents significant opportunities for the country’s defence industry.

This desire was at the heart of discussions during the AMMO INDIA 2024: Conference & Exhibition on Military Ammunition, hosted by FICCI in New Delhi.

The event brought together prominent figures from the Indian Armed Forces, industry leaders, and international collaborators to explore the future of military ammunition manufacturing in India.

General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff and Secretary DMA, inaugurated the conference, emphasizing India’s need to reduce dependence on foreign nations for ammunition. “Our strategic focus depends on policy adaptations and the development of advanced ammunition. We are on the path to becoming the world’s third-largest economy, driven by intelligent and specific military advancements,” he stated.

Lieutenant General N S Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of Army Staff, highlighted the importance of self-reliance in ammunition manufacturing, noting that global conflicts have underscored the need for India to produce its own defence equipment. “Strategic autonomy and economic growth are intricately tied to our ability to produce our own defence equipment,” he said.

Lt Gen Amardeep Singh Aujla, Master General Sustenance, Indian Army, outlined India’s progress in indigenizing ammunition variants, with 154 out of 175 variants already being indigenous. He stressed the importance of research and development (R&D) in driving innovation and efficiency in defence manufacturing.

Jyoti Vij, Director General of FICCI, pointed out the growing role of the private sector in defence manufacturing, fuelled by the Make in India initiative. She emphasized the need for increased collaboration between public and private sectors to achieve the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence.

The conference also saw the release of the FICCI-KPMG report, “AMMO India 2024,” which provides insights into the current landscape and future prospects of ammunition manufacturing in India, underscoring the nation’s growing capabilities and ambitions in this crucial sector.