In a significant development for India’s defense industry, Major General V K Sharma, ADG (Procurement) of the Indian Army, announced plans to halt all ammunition imports starting in the fiscal year 2025-26. This decision, highlighted at a seminar on ammunition production organized by the PHD Chamber, underscores India’s growing capacity to meet its defense needs domestically.
The move aligns with the Make-in-India initiative, signaling a shift towards boosting indigenous manufacturing capabilities. Previously, India has been the world’s largest importer of arms, as per the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). However, this announcement marks a significant policy transformation.
According to Major General Sharma, indigenous suppliers have now been secured for nearly 150 out of 175 types of ammunition utilized by the Indian Army. This shift towards local sourcing aims to substantially reduce the country’s reliance on foreign imports, which typically amount to Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000 crore annually.
This transition is facilitated by the Ministry of Defence’s publication of five positive indigenization lists, identifying items suitable for domestic production and thereby excluded from import. Such strategic measures have encouraged private sector involvement in defense manufacturing.
In line with these efforts, the Adani Group recently inaugurated Asia’s largest ammunition complex in Kanpur in February 2024. This facility is poised to manufacture a wide range of munitions, including artillery shells, rockets, and missiles.
Additionally, the Tata Group has commenced assembly operations for the Airbus C-295 transport aircraft, positioning itself as India’s premier private aircraft manufacturer alongside the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
These developments underscore the growing momentum in India’s defense production capabilities, reflecting the nation’s commitment to bolstering military autonomy and enhancing its industrial defense base.
