Army's combat capability strengthened by 90 percent indigenization of ammunition (file photo)
PTI, New Delhi. The Army uses about 200 variants of ammunition and precision ammunition in its weapon systems. Through focused policy reforms and engagement with industry, more than 90 per cent of these have been indigenized and are being sourced domestically. This has strengthened the long-term combat capability of the army.
Officials said on Friday that ammunition, spare parts and logistics are the backbone of the fighting power. In view of this, the Indian Army has kept self-reliance in ammunition production at the core of its preparedness strategy.
From reducing dependence on imports to creating a resilient domestic supply chain, the Army's sustained efforts towards indigenization are reshaping ammunition readiness and long-term combat capability, a senior officer said.
Over the last four-five years, procurement processes have been restructured to promote competition and multiple choices. An order basket of approximately Rs 16,000 crore has been created under the 'Make in India' initiative, while ammunition supply orders worth approximately Rs 26,000 crore have been placed with indigenous manufacturers in the last three years.
Many variants of ammunition can now be obtained from many domestic sources. “Recent conflicts have brought home the reality that countries that can maintain ammunition supplies domestically are in a better position to maintain operational momentum,” the official said.