Indian Army Indigenises 91% of Ammunition Variants, Cuts Import Dependence

In a significant stride towards self-reliance, the Indian Army has successfully indigenised 91% of its ammunition variants, drastically reducing its dependence on imports. This achievement is a testament to the country’s growing capabilities in defence manufacturing and its commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

The indigenisation drive, spearheaded by the Indian Army in collaboration with the Ordnance Factories Board (OFB) and other domestic defence manufacturers, has been a resounding success. The Army has identified and developed indigenous alternatives for a vast majority of its ammunition requirements, resulting in a substantial reduction in import dependence.

Background

For decades, India had relied heavily on imports to meet its defence needs, including ammunition. However, with the changing security landscape and the need for self-reliance, the Indian government launched the ‘Make in India’ initiative in 2014. The programme aimed to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports.

The Indian Army, being one of the largest consumers of ammunition, played a crucial role in driving the indigenisation effort. The Army worked closely with the OFB, private defence manufacturers, and research institutions to identify areas where indigenous development was feasible.

Indigenisation Achievements

The Indian Army’s indigenisation drive has yielded impressive results. As of now, 91% of the Army’s ammunition variants have been indigenised, with the remaining 9% being worked upon. The indigenised ammunition includes a wide range of products, such as:

1. Small Arms Ammunition: The Indian Army has indigenised ammunition for small arms, including 5.56x45mm, 7.62x51mm, and 9mm cartridges. The Ordnance Factories Board and private manufacturers like Kirloskar Group and Tata Advanced Systems have been instrumental in developing these ammunition variants.
2. Artillery Ammunition: The Army has indigenised various artillery ammunition, including 105mm, 122mm, and 155mm shells. The OFB and other domestic manufacturers have developed these ammunition variants, which are now being produced in large quantities.
3. Tanks Ammunition: The Indian Army has indigenised ammunition for tanks, including 105mm and 120mm armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds. The development of these ammunition variants has been a significant achievement, as they require advanced technology and manufacturing capabilities.

Examples of Indigenised Ammunition

Some notable examples of indigenised ammunition developed by the Indian Army and domestic manufacturers include:

1. Pinaka Rockets: The Pinaka rocket system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has been indigenised by the OFB and other manufacturers. The Pinaka rocket is a multi-barrel rocket launcher that can fire a variety of warheads.
2. Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS): The ATAGS, developed by the DRDO, has been indigenised by the OFB and other manufacturers. The ATAGS is a 155mm towed artillery gun that can fire a range of ammunition, including indigenously developed variants.
3. Arjun Tanks Ammunition: The Indian Army has indigenised ammunition for the Arjun main battle tank, including APFSDS rounds. The development of these ammunition variants has been a significant achievement, as they require advanced technology and manufacturing capabilities.

Benefits of Indigenisation

The indigenisation of ammunition variants has several benefits for the Indian Army, including:

1. Reduced Import Dependence: By indigenising 91% of its ammunition variants, the Indian Army has significantly reduced its dependence on imports. This reduction in import dependence has saved the country valuable foreign exchange and enhanced its defence security.
2. Cost Savings: Indigenisation has resulted in cost savings for the Indian Army, as it no longer needs to procure ammunition from foreign suppliers at premium prices.
3. Enhanced Defence Security: The indigenisation of ammunition variants has enhanced India’s defence security by reducing the risk of supply chain disruptions and ensuring a stable supply of ammunition.
4. Boost to Domestic Defence Manufacturing: The indigenisation drive has given a significant boost to domestic defence manufacturing, with many private manufacturers entering the fray.

Challenges Ahead

While the Indian Army’s indigenisation drive has been a resounding success, there are still challenges ahead. The remaining 9% of ammunition variants that are yet to be indigenised require advanced technology and manufacturing capabilities. The Indian Army and domestic manufacturers will need to work together to overcome these challenges and achieve complete self-reliance in ammunition production.

Conclusion

The Indian Army’s indigenisation of 91% of its ammunition variants is a significant achievement that showcases the country’s growing capabilities in defence manufacturing. The indigenisation drive has reduced the country’s dependence on imports, saved costs, and enhanced its defence security. As India continues to push ahead with its ‘Make in India’ initiative, the Indian Army’s indigenisation drive is likely to be a model for other defence services to follow.