# India needs to be self-reliant in ammunition manufacturing, says Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of Army Staff, Indian Army
# ‘Achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defense Requires Robust Public-Private Collaboration and Innovation’: Ms. Jyoti Vij, DG, FICCI
# We aim to become the ammunition basket for the world by 2030: Lt Gen Amardeep Singh Aujla, Master General Sustenance, Indian Army
New Delhi, August 8, 2024:
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) successfully hosted the AMMO INDIA 2024: Conference & Exhibition on Military Ammunition with the central theme ‘Make in India – Make for the World’. Held at FICCI, Federation House, New Delhi, the event brought together key stakeholders from the Indian Armed Forces, CAPFs, industry leaders, and international collaborators to discuss and explore the future of military ammunition manufacturing in India.
General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Chief of Defence Staff & Secretary DMA inaugurated the Exposition & Conference and said, “In the face of global conflicts, the defense landscape is rapidly evolving. Each challenge presents an opportunity for growth and innovation. India must explore an inclusive approach, embracing the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’ Our strategic focus depends on reducing reliance on other nations, 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 ammunition advancements.”
Lieutenant General N S Raja Subramani, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Vice Chief of Army Staff, Indian Army, emphasized, “The global conflicts have underscored the need for India to be self-reliant in ammunition manufacturing. Strategic autonomy and economic growth are intricately tied to our ability to produce our own defense equipment. The goal of Atma Nirbhar Bharat, as articulated by our government, has significantly boosted defense manufacturing. By reducing our dependence on foreign powers, we are not only ensuring a robust supply chain but also contributing to a stronger India (Shashakth Bharat) and a developed India (Viksit Bharat). Public and private manufacturers must collaborate, innovate, and streamline processes to meet the Indian Army’s need for both firepower and precision-guided munitions.”
Ms. Jyoti Vij, Director General, FICCI, said, “The increased focus on the defense sector under the Make in India policy has significantly encouraged private sector involvement in ammunition manufacturing, with a substantial portion of our exports now involving small caliber ammunition and associated components, showcasing our potential to meet global demands. The liberalization of defense production policies and Make in India initiatives have attracted robust private sector participation. The decision to restrict ammunition imports from 2025 demonstrates the armed forces’ confidence in the Indian defense manufacturing industry. FICCI is committed to strengthening the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense, emphasizing research and development (R&D) and innovation across the entire value chain. Achieving self-reliance in defense necessitates increased collaboration between public and private sectors, and while current collaborations are growing, there is a pressing need for further enhancement from both sides. The FICCI Defense Committee and Homeland Security representatives wholeheartedly support the government’s vision, working tirelessly to ensure that India remains a formidable player in the global defense arena.”
Mr. Ashish Kansal, Co-Chair, FICCI Defence and Homeland Security Committee and Executive Director, commented, “This event is a perfect example to growing interaction between stakeholders in the defense sector. Today’s deliberations are centered around making future products that address core areas of military ammunition. With the government’s support, startups are thriving, and the capital outlay in the recent budget of INR 1.72 Lakh crore is a positive step. We are witnessing an unprecedented environment for industry growth, with policies favoring increased production and higher sales in the private sector.”
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Mr. Debashish Banerjee, Chairman and Managing Director, Munitions India Limited, remarked, “Together, we must strive to transform individual efforts into a collective force, like drops converging to form an ocean. We’ve seen a 50% increase in sales and significant turnover in the last financial year. The global market for military ammunition is expected to reach $75 billion. Achieving Atma Nirbhar Bharat is our ultimate goal. In the past six months, our achievements have been substantial, driven by R&D and innovation. Continuous investment in these areas is essential for our future growth.”
Lt Gen Amardeep Singh Aujla, Master General Sustenance, Indian Army, highlighted, “Out of 175 different ammunition variants 154 are indigenous and 128 are completely indigenous and remaining will shortly be indigenised. For cyber information operations and essential logistical support, Atma Nirbharta is crucial. We are looking at strategic initiatives like Gati Shakti Bharat Mala to establish future infrastructure. R&D is the backbone of any system, driving efficiency and safety. We aim to develop smart R&D facilities to support robust defense mechanisms and contribute significantl
Lt. Gen. Vivek Kashyap, Director General, Armoured Corps, Indian Army, said, “The modernization of our armored corps is a lifetime project, with one part already ongoing and the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) planning set to be completed by 2030. We recognize the importance of startups in fulfilling our desired and required capabilities, projecting future requirements that ensure our forces are equipped with the best technology and innovation. This ongoing commitment to modernization and innovation is crucial for maintaining our operational edge and readiness in an ever-evolving defense landscape.”
The inaugural ceremony of the programme witnessed the release of FICCI – KPMG Report “AMMO India 2024” providing valuable insights into the current landscape and future prospects of ammunition manufacturing in India. Cdr Gautam Nanda (Retd.), Associate Partner, KPMG, added, “As you see, the global market is growing significantly, and the Indian scenario is not far behind. Although there is a smaller demand domestically, the ecosystem is interactive, with private industry playing a major role in the market. Despite limited investment in R&D, there are numerous technologies and innovations taking place, which is encouraging for the future.”