Aero India 2025: Indian Army Showcases Major Strides in Ammunition Indigenisation

The Indian Army’s stalls at Aero India 2025 witnessed a large influx of visitors on the inaugural day, reflecting the growing interest in India’s defence capabilities and self-reliance initiatives. A key highlight was the Army’s remarkable progress under the “Manufacture of Ammunition for Indian Army by Indian Industry” initiative, a landmark project spearheaded by the Government of India.

88% Indigenisation Achieved: A Quantum Leap for Defense Self-Reliance

Through concerted efforts in coordination with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), and private industry, the Indian Army has successfully indigenised 88% of its ammunition requirements. This represents a quantum leap in reducing dependency on foreign imports and strengthening India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission in the defence sector.

Senior Military Leadership Visits the Army Stalls

The exhibition saw the presence of distinguished military leaders, including:

• Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command
• Lieutenant General ADS Aujla, Master General Sustenance
• Senior dignitaries from India and foreign nations, reflecting the global interest in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities

These senior officials were briefed on the measures undertaken by the Indian Army to:

• Reduce import dependence for critical ammunition supplies
• Enhance operational readiness through self-sustained logistics and indigenous production
• Foster defence innovation in collaboration with private industries and research institutions

Driving Forces Behind the Indigenisation Success

Key contributors to this achievement include:

• DRDO: Providing cutting-edge research and technology transfer for advanced ammunition systems
• DPSUs: Ensuring robust manufacturing infrastructure and quality assurance
• Private Industry: Driving innovation, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in ammunition production

India’s Strategic Focus: Self-Reliance and Global Competitiveness

This milestone aligns with India’s broader strategy to:

• Achieve strategic autonomy in defence production
• Promote indigenous defence technologies on global platforms like Aero India
• Establish India as a reliable defence exporter while meeting domestic operational needs

Looking Ahead

As India continues to expand its defence manufacturing capabilities, initiatives like these underscore the Army’s commitment to being self-sufficient, technologically advanced, and operationally prepared for future challenges.