SOURCE: AFI
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) of India has marked a significant milestone in its journey towards self-reliance in military capabilities by indigenising the production of 154 out of 175 ammunition variants required by the Indian Army. This achievement represents an impressive 88% indigenisation rate, as part of a strategic 10-year plan to achieve complete self-sufficiency in firepower, crucial for enduring prolonged warfare scenarios.
This drive towards indigenisation is part of a broader initiative to reduce India’s dependence on foreign arms imports, aligning with the government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) campaigns. The MoD’s focus has been on ensuring that the Indian Army can maintain operational readiness without the vulnerabilities associated with supply chain disruptions from foreign suppliers.
Among the notable advancements, the ministry has made significant strides in the production of sophisticated ammunition like the Russian-origin Armour-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS), which is essential for anti-tank operations. The APFSDS, known for its high velocity and armor-penetrating capabilities, has been a critical import until now. The process to indigenize this ammunition is at a fairly advanced stage, signaling a promising step towards reducing import dependency.
Similarly, progress has been made with the indigenisation of the Swedish-made 84 mm ammunition, used in light anti-armor weapons. This development not only showcases India’s growing capability in producing complex munitions but also highlights the collaborative efforts between defense public sector undertakings (DPSUs) and private sector companies.
The indigenisation of these ammunition types involves not just manufacturing but also the transfer of technology (ToT) and the establishment of production facilities. For instance, the APFSDS production involves setting up a plant at Munitions India Ltd (MIL) in Pune, Maharashtra, following the acquisition of technology from Russia. This move is expected to bolster India’s defense manufacturing sector, providing jobs, fostering technological innovation, and reducing the outflow of foreign exchange.
Ministry sources emphasize that these efforts are part of a long-term vision where the Indian Army aims to be completely self-sufficient in its ammunition needs. This roadmap not only includes indigenous production but also involves enhancing the quality and reliability of these products to match or exceed imported equivalents.
The strategic importance of this indigenisation cannot be overstated. With global supply chains becoming increasingly unpredictable, especially in times of conflict or geopolitical tensions, having a robust domestic production capability ensures that India can sustain its military operations without external dependencies. This is particularly critical in scenarios where prolonged engagement might be necessary, such as in border disputes or defensive operations.