By Sahil Luthra
India, a rising global power, is poised to revolutionise its small arms and ammunition manufacturing sector. As geopolitical tensions persist and the need for self-reliance in defence becomes increasingly critical, India is taking bold steps to modernise and expand its domestic production capabilities.
Current Landscape
In the past, India has depended on imports for procuring both small arms and ammunition. But the recent years have witnessed a change in the tide due to the government’s ‘Make in India’ campaign and increased focus on reducing reliance on overseas suppliers.
As per the recent announcement by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, India has achieved its highest-ever growth in defence production value of approximately Rs 1.27 lakh crores in 2023–24. This showcases the growing strength of India’s domestic defence industry. This significant figure underscores the country’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing, including small arms and ammunition.
Driving Forces
Several factors are propelling India’s push towards domestic small arms and ammunition production:
1. Strategic Independence: Reducing reliance on foreign suppliers enhances India’s strategic autonomy and ensures a steady supply of arms during crises.
2.Economic Benefits: A robust domestic arms industry can create jobs, boost exports, and contribute significantly to the economy.
3. Technological Advancements: Investing in R&D for small arms manufacturing can lead to innovations applicable to other sectors.
4.Customization: Domestic production allows for the development of weapons tailored to India’s specific operational requirements.
Key initiatives and developments
The Indian government and private sector are making significant strides in advancing small arms and ammunition manufacturing.
1. Policy Reforms: The liberalisation of foreign direct investment (FDI) in defence manufacturing, allowing up to 74% FDI through the automatic route, has attracted global players to set up production facilities in India.
2. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations between state-owned ordnance factories and private companies are fostering innovation and efficiency in production.
3. Indigenous Designs: The development of homegrown small arms like the INSAS rifle and its successors demonstrates India’s growing capability in weapon design.
4. Advanced Manufacturing Technologies: Adoption of 3D printing, advanced materials, and smart manufacturing techniques is revolutionising production processes.
5. Research and Development: Increased funding for R&D in ballistics, propellants, and advanced materials is driving improvements in weapon performance and ammunition effectiveness.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite promising developments, India faces several challenges in its quest to become a global hub for small arms and ammunition manufacturing:
1. Quality Control: Ensuring consistent high quality in domestically produced arms and ammunition remains a critical challenge.
2. Technology Gap: Bridging the technology gap with established global manufacturers requires sustained investment and international cooperation.
3. Supply Chain Integration: Developing a robust and efficient supply chain for raw materials and components is essential for scaling up production.
4. Export Regulations: Navigating complex international arms export regulations will be crucial for India to become a significant exporter of small arms.
However, these challenges also present opportunities:
1. Innovation Ecosystem: The push for domestic production can foster a vibrant ecosystem of startups and research institutions focused on defence technologies.
2. Global Partnerships: Collaborations with leading international arms manufacturers can facilitate technology transfer and skill development.
3. Export Potential: As India refines its manufacturing capabilities, it can emerge as a competitive exporter of small arms to friendly nations.
Future Outlook
There is immense potential for growth and development of small arms and ammunition-making industries in India in the future. Thus, given renewed governmental encouragement of production or outsourcing of small arms production for export to third countries, increasing participation of the private sector, and perseverance on the part of the Indian industry on seeking new and innovative opportunities, India has the potential in the near future to become a significant exporter of small arms in the international market.
Key areas to watch include:
1. Smart Weapons: Mainstreaming smart gun development that integrates electronics in small arms so that soldiers’ performance, including accuracy and situational awareness, is enhanced.
2. Eco-friendly Ammunition: Biodegradable design of ammunition components in order to cut on pollution.
3. Additive Manufacturing: Increasing adoption of rapid production of weapon complexes, subsystems, and parts through 3D printing
4. AI and Robotics: Artificial intelligence and processes of robotics are enabled to make such production safer but better.
As the time goes by and as the transition of India to self-sustained defence industry continues, there is the entry of novices into the fray who make every effort to ensure that the country is positively and progressively placed on a chronic embarking of defence manufacturing around the globe. In the next decade, India will already have to graduate from an arms-consuming low-sub-underbelly club into the highest consumer of small arms and ammunition in a region aimed at redrawing the balance of power in the global arms industry.
About the author: Sahil Luthra, Founder of Vijiayan Trishul Defense Solutions
Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of Financial Express Online. Reproducing this content without permission is prohibited.
From: financialexpress
Financial News
