India is boosting its investment in ammunition manufacturing to prepare for prolonged wars. The Pune-based defense company, Munitions India Limited (MIL), will see a 28% increase in its budget, reaching ₹745.45 crore for FY25, up from ₹580 crore in FY24. This funding will help India produce more ammunition locally and ensure it has enough reserves for extended conflicts.
Last year, MIL earned over ₹7,000 crore, including ₹2,000 crore from exports. It received the highest capital outlay among seven defense public sector units (PSUs). The funds will be used to upgrade old machinery and expand manufacturing facilities for new projects like 30 mm and 40 mm grenades.
Private companies like Premier Explosives Ltd and HBL Power Systems Ltd, along with PSUs like Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), contribute to the ₹13,000 crore to ₹15,000 crore ammunition and explosives industry.
The Ministry of Defence is planning to strengthen the production of ammunition with inputs from both defense PSUs and private industry. This plan aims to ensure the armed forces have enough ammunition for long battles. A detailed plan, expected within three months, will focus on maintaining a steady supply of ammunition for the military.
Currently, India’s armed forces have a minimum of a 10-day supply of ammunition, but recent conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war show the need for more. India aims to become self-sufficient in ammunition production, especially for land systems, but still relies on imports for certain types.
The Ministry of Defence is also reviewing existing rules and guidelines for ammunition reserves. There has been a demand to update the Raksha Mantri’s Operational Directive of 2009, which set goals for ammunition stockpiles. After the Kargil war, the Army aimed to have a 20-day reserve for intense warfare, but current supplies fall short. The new blueprint will address these gaps to better prepare the country for future conflicts.
