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India is on course to achieve complete indigenisation of its ammunition inventory by the end of 2025, a top Indian Army official announced today, marking a major milestone in the country’s push for defence self-reliance.
Speaking at the Ammo Power Conference hosted by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in New Delhi, Lt. Gen. Amardeep Singh Aujla, Master General Sustenance of the Indian Army, revealed that 154 out of the 175 ammunition variants used by the Army are now indigenously produced.
“By the end of this year, we will be 100% indigenous,” Lt. Gen. Aujla stated, emphasising that India’s military capability “will be built in our factories and research labs, not just on the battlefield.”
The declaration signals a decisive shift in India’s strategic planning, with defence production increasingly focusing on smarter, customised, and locally developed munitions. Lt. Gen. Aujla stressed the importance of industry collaboration, noting that the future of warfare demands intelligent ammunition designed to meet specific operational requirements with rapid replenishment and assured quality.
Push for Full-Spectrum Self-Reliance
Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary, Defence Production, echoed the sentiment, noting that the pursuit of self-reliance has been a central policy theme for more than a decade.
“There is no lack of intent from the government or the armed forces. The industry must now focus on the entire value chain, not just to meet India’s needs, but to become a global supplier,” Kumar said.
He underlined the urgency of indigenisation in the face of an unpredictable global supply environment, warning that even friendly nations are prioritising their own defence needs.
Navy and Air Force Highlight Private Sector Role
Highlighting the Indian Navy’s progress, Kaval Singh, INAS, Principal Director of Naval Armament, Ministry of Defence (Navy), noted that nearly 70% of the Navy’s armament is now indigenous.
“We have nearly Rs 5,000 crore worth of outstanding orders, with more in the pipeline. The private sector has immense potential, especially with evolving warfare technologies,” he said.
However, Singh cautioned that challenges such as high capital costs, supply chain vulnerabilities, and the need for technology upgrades must be addressed to achieve full Atmanirbharta (self-reliance). He called for closer convergence between users, industry, and policymakers to navigate these hurdles.
Air Marshal KAA Sanjeeb, Director General (Systems), Indian Air Force, stressed the need to move from being assemblers to producers. He called for the establishment of Centres of Excellence, collaboration with global leaders like Israel and Russia, and policy reforms to ease import and export licensing.
Industry Seeks Policy Reforms, Investment
Industry leaders called for a more responsive regulatory environment to support innovation in ammunition manufacturing.
Ashok Wadhawan of Adani Defence emphasised the need to invest in loitering munitions and energetic materials, arguing that ammunition capacity is becoming more decisive than conventional platforms like tanks or fighter jets.
Ashish Kansal, CEO of SMPP Ltd., highlighted the growing dominance of drone-based precision warfare, calling ammunition “the backbone of modern conflict.” He advocated for deeper public-private collaboration, faster licensing processes, and skill development in explosive handling.
Huma Siddiqui
