The Indian Army has secured a decisive breakthrough in its quest for strategic autonomy, successfully indigenising 159 of the 175 ammunition variants currently in its stockpile.
This achievement, representing a 91 per cent self-sufficiency rate, drastically lowers the nation's reliance on foreign imports.
The milestone comes at a critical juncture, as volatile geopolitical conditions continue to fracture global supply chains, highlighting the severe risks associated with depending on external sources for essential military hardware.
This strategic pivot is designed to guarantee uninterrupted firepower during extended high-intensity conflicts.
With modern warfare witnessing unprecedented rates of ammunition expenditure, the ability to produce warfighting materiel domestically has emerged as a cornerstone of combat readiness.
By insulating itself from potential international sanctions or supply shocks, the Army has fortified its operational endurance, ensuring that its logistical lines remain robust regardless of the external political climate.
To fast-track the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defence sector, the Ministry of Defence has orchestrated a collaborative framework involving both Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private enterprises.
Major entities such as Munitions India Ltd (MIL) and Solar Industries India Ltd have played pivotal roles in this transformation.
This approach marks a significant departure from the past, embracing a hybrid industrial ecosystem that utilises the efficiency of the private sector alongside the capacity of state-owned facilities.
The urgency for such localisation has been underscored by the operational lessons learned following Operation Sindoor, the multi-domain military campaign launched in May 2025.
The heightened readiness posture maintained by all three services since the operation has reiterated the necessity of reliable domestic ammunition lines.
Military planners have noted that in long-duration scenarios, the rate of replenishment is often the deciding factor in maintaining dominance on the battlefield.
Regarding the remaining 16 ammunition types that are yet to be fully indigenised, the Ministry of Defence has reportedly commenced in-house development for four to seven specific variants, including advanced rockets and missiles.
These initiatives are designed to upgrade the Army's lethality by inducting smarter, precision-guided munitions.
According to defence officials, closing these final gaps is a priority to ensure a comprehensive sovereign capability.
Among the most critical ongoing projects is the indigenous manufacture of 125mm Armour-Piercing Fin-Stabilised Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) rounds, originally of Russian design, and 84mm ammunition of Swedish origin.
The APFSDS rounds are the primary tank-killing ammunition for India’s T-90 and T-72 Main Battle Tanks, while the 84mm rounds are essential for infantry units operating the Carl Gustaf recoiless rifles.
Sources confirm that production lines for these complex munitions are nearing finalisation, a move that will plug one of the few remaining capability sensitivities in the inventory.
Ultimately, the Army’s ability to source over 90 per cent of its ammunition from within India signals a structural transformation in national defence preparedness.
By establishing a resilient and scalable industrial base, India has not only secured its supply chains against global uncertainties but has also laid the groundwork for sustaining prolonged military operations independently.
