On 8th August 2024, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) hosted AMMO INDIA 2024: Conference & Exhibition on Military Ammunition, bringing together key stakeholders from the Indian Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), industry leaders, and international collaborators. The event centred on the theme ‘Make in India – Make for the World,’ was held at FICCI, Federation House, New Delhi. It aimed to explore the future of military ammunition manufacturing in India and align with the nation’s vision of achieving self-reliance in defence by 2025-26.
The conference was inaugurated by General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Chief of Defence Staff & Secretary DMA, who emphasised the evolving defence landscape in the face of global conflicts. “In the face of global conflicts, the defence 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,'” General Chauhan remarked. He underscored the strategic importance of reducing dependence on foreign nations and advancing India’s military ammunition capabilities. “We are on the path to becoming the world’s third-largest economy, driven by intelligent and specific military ammunition advancements,” he added.
Lieutenant General N S Raja Subramani, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Vice Chief of Army Staff, Indian Army, echoed this sentiment, stressing the critical need for India to become self-reliant in ammunition manufacturing. “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 defence equipment,” he said. Lt Gen Subramani highlighted the role of Atma Nirbhar Bharat in boosting defence manufacturing, noting that reducing reliance on foreign suppliers would ensure a robust supply chain and contribute to a stronger and more developed India.
Ms. Jyoti Vij, Director General of FICCI, stressed the importance of public-private collaboration in achieving self-reliance in defence. “The increased focus on the defence 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 calibre ammunition and associated components, showcasing our potential to meet global demands,” she stated. Ms. Vij further highlighted the armed forces’ confidence in the Indian defence industry, as evidenced by the decision to restrict ammunition imports from 2025. She called for enhanced collaboration and innovation across the entire value chain, stressing the need for continuous investment in research and development (R&D).
Lt Gen Amardeep Singh Aujla, Master General Sustenance, Indian Army, articulated India’s ambition to become a global leader in ammunition manufacturing. “Out of 175 different ammunition variants, 154 are indigenous, and 128 are completely indigenous. The remaining will shortly be indigenized,” he said. Lt Gen Aujla emphasised the importance of Atma Nirbharta in cyber information operations and logistical support, stating, “We aim to become the ammunition basket for the world by 2030.” He also highlighted the significance of strategic initiatives like Gati Shakti Bharat Mala in establishing future infrastructure and the role of R&D in driving efficiency and safety.
Lt Gen Vivek Kashyap, Director General of the Armoured Corps, Indian Army, discussed the ongoing modernisation of India’s armoured corps and the role of innovation in maintaining operational readiness. “The modernization of our armoured corps is a lifetime project, with one part already ongoing and the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) planning set to be completed by 2030,” he noted. Lt Gen Kashyap acknowledged the importance of startups fulfilling the required capabilities and ensuring that India’s armed forces are equipped with the best technology and innovation.
The event also saw the release of the 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, highlighted the significant growth in the global ammunition market and the active role of the Indian private sector in this ecosystem. “Although there is a smaller demand domestically, the ecosystem is interactive, with private industry playing a major role in the market,” he said.
AMMO INDIA 2024 marked a significant step towards realizing India’s vision of self-reliance in defence. The event underscored the importance of public-private collaboration, innovation, and strategic initiatives in achieving Atma Nirbhar Bharat in the defence sector. As India continues to develop its capabilities, the nation is poised to become a global leader in ammunition manufacturing, contributing to both national security and economic growth.
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