Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday reaffirmed the Union government’s commitment to achieving Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in ammunition manufacturing and positioning India as a global production hub for defence equipment. He said the government aims to significantly expand the role of the private sector in defence manufacturing, with a target of 50 per cent or more participation in the near future.
The Defence Minister was speaking after inaugurating a Medium Calibre Ammunition Manufacturing Facility at Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The newly inaugurated fully automated facility will manufacture 30 mm ammunition, which is widely used by the Indian Army and the Indian Navy.
Recalling earlier challenges faced by the country due to ammunition shortages, Singh said the government realised the urgent need for self-reliance to ensure defence preparedness. “India is steadily moving forward in ammunition production and is now manufacturing high-quality and reliable products,” he said.
During his visit, the Defence Minister also inspected the Pinaka Rocket manufacturing facility at the Solar Group and flagged off the first tranche of Guided Pinaka rockets being exported to Armenia, marking another milestone in India’s growing defence export capabilities.
Highlighting the increasing contribution of the private sector, Rajnath Singh cited examples such as the Multi-Mode Hand Grenade, an indigenously developed ammunition handed over to the Indian Army in 2021, and Nagastra drones manufactured by the Solar Group. He noted that the Nagastra drones were successfully deployed during Operation Sindoor, accurately striking terrorist targets and demonstrating their strategic effectiveness. He also expressed confidence in the advanced versions of the system currently under development.
The Defence Minister said that the successful test launch of the ‘Bhargavastra’ Counter-Drone System by the Solar Group showcased the technological strength of private Indian companies. He added that exports of Pinaka missiles from the facility had begun, underlining India’s transition from being a major arms importer to an emerging exporter.
Describing Operation Sindoor as a reminder of the importance of self-reliance, Singh pointed out that modern warfare is becoming increasingly complex and is no longer limited to conventional battlefields. “New dimensions such as energy security, trade, supply chains, technology and information have become integral to conflict. In such a scenario, a strong defence industrial base and greater private sector participation in manufacturing and R&D are essential,” he said.
The Defence Minister reiterated that the government is committed to gradually indigenising defence platforms, systems and sub-systems, with a minimum requirement of 50 per cent indigenous content even in areas where complete domestic manufacturing is not yet possible. These efforts, he said, have boosted both indigenous capability and industry confidence.
Outlining the progress made in recent years, Singh said India’s domestic defence production has grown from ₹46,425 crore in 2014 to approximately ₹1.51 lakh crore today, with over ₹33,000 crore contributed by the private sector. Defence exports, which stood at less than ₹1,000 crore a decade ago, have now reached a record ₹24,000 crore.
He described India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem – a combination of experienced public sector undertakings and a fast-growing private industry – as a unique national strength. “This synergy between the public and private sectors must be deepened and strengthened for the benefit of national security,” he said.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and senior representatives of Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited were also present at the event.
