On August 8, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan remarked that global disruptions have created an opportunity for the Indian Defence ecosystem to enhance its defence manufacturing capabilities, enabling India to shift from being an importer to an exporter of munitions and ammunition. He made these comments at the Ammo India 2024 Conference, organized by the industry body FICCI in New Delhi.
Gen Chauhan noted that the global geopolitical environment is currently in flux. “We are passing through an era of big global disruptions. Amidst the vagaries of the volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) of the world, the global arms industry is grappling with a seemingly insurmountable problem of widening demand and supply gap,” he emphasized.
He underscored the significance of Aatmanirbharta and self-reliance in defence, highlighting their central role in achieving strategic autonomy for the nation. Gen Chauhan discussed various policy changes, reforms, and initiatives by the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces aimed at advancing the Make in India and Make for the World initiatives, particularly in ammunition manufacturing.
Underscoring the significance of Civil-Military Fusion, CDS called upon the troika of the Services, Defence Industries and Scientists including Academia to come together to promote the nation’s Aatmanirbharta drive.
The conference featured discussions on ammunition requirements for tanks, armoured fighting vehicles, artillery, air defence, aerial and naval systems, munitions for unmanned platforms, loitering ammunition, futuristic munitions, and small arms. Additionally, the CDS inaugurated an exhibition showcasing advancements in Aatmanirbharta in munitions.
