By Anamati Inyang
December 28, 2015
The Indian Army has taken a major leap towards strategic autonomy, achieving 91 per cent self-sufficiency in ammunition production by indigenising 159 of the 175 variants in its arsenal.
This milestone significantly reduces dependence on foreign suppliers at a time when global supply chains are increasingly volatile.
The achievement ensures that India’s armed forces can sustain high-intensity operations for extended periods without being constrained by external shortages or geopolitical pressures.
In modern warfare, where ammunition consumption can be exceptionally high, domestic production has become critical to operational readiness.
Key to this transformation has been a collaborative defence manufacturing ecosystem that integrates both state-owned entities and private industry.
Defense Public Sector Undertakings, including Munitions India Ltd (MIL), and private players such as Solar Industries India Ltd have together created a hybrid model that combines scale with efficiency.
This approach aligns with the government’s broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defence sector.
Operational lessons from campaigns like May 2025’s Operation Sindoor have reinforced the importance of a reliable domestic ammunition supply.
Military strategists stress that during prolonged operations, the ability to replenish ammunition rapidly can be decisive on the battlefield.
While most ammunition types are now indigenised, efforts are ongoing to develop the remaining 16 variants, including advanced rockets, precision-guided munitions, other specialized rounds.
High-priority projects include the indigenous production of 125mm Armour-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) rounds for T-90 and T-72 tanks, as well as 84mm rounds for infantry-operated Carl Gustaf recoilless rifles.
These developments are expected to fill critical capability gaps, enhance the Army’s lethality.
Experts note that this level of domestic ammunition production represents more than just a logistical achievement – it signals a structural shift in India’s defence posture.
By securing a resilient, scalable industrial base, India not only mitigates risks from international supply disruptions but also ensures that its forces can operate independently in prolonged conflicts.
This breakthrough positions India as one of the few major militaries in the world capable of sustaining long-duration operations with a largely homegrown ammunition supply, marking a new era of defence self-reliance
