In a significant stride towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the Indian Army has announced that it has achieved 88% “Atmanirbharta” or self-sufficiency in ammunition production. This milestone reflects India’s commitment to reducing its dependency on foreign suppliers and enhancing its strategic autonomy in military capabilities.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been actively pushing for indigenization, with the Indian Army now domestically producing 154 out of the 175 types of ammunition required for its operations. This move not only cuts down on import costs but also positions India as a potential exporter in the global ammunition market.
The achievement is part of a long-term roadmap to ensure the Army’s operational preparedness for any prolonged conflict scenario. “The focus has been on reducing our import dependency, which has been significantly achieved through the corporatization of Ordnance Factories and the involvement of private sector companies,” said a senior MoD official.
Key to this success has been the indigenization of critical ammunition types like the Russian-origin Armour-Piercing Fin-Stablished Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) anti-tank ammunition and the Swedish-made 84 mm ammunition. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Munitions India Ltd (MIL) have been pivotal in this initiative, with the latter setting up facilities to manufacture these advanced munitions.
“By achieving this level of self-reliance, we are not only saving on foreign exchange but also ensuring that our forces are equipped with ammunition tailored to our specific needs, which are often more cost-effective than imported alternatives,” the official added.
This development comes at a time when global conflicts have highlighted the importance of a robust domestic production capability. The Indian Army’s push for self-reliance is part of a broader national agenda under the ‘Make in India’ policy, which seeks to strengthen the domestic defence industry, create jobs, and foster innovation.
The Army’s success in ammunition self-reliance is expected to have a ripple effect, encouraging further investment in indigenous defence manufacturing and potentially opening up export markets. The MoD is now looking to completely eliminate ammunition imports by the financial year 2025-26, aligning with the government’s vision for a self-reliant India in defence.