Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed the government’s dedication to achieving self-reliance in ammunition manufacturing and transforming India into a global production center. During the inauguration of the Medium Caliber Ammunition Manufacturing Facility in Nagpur, Maharashtra, he highlighted past ammunition shortages that prompted the need for self-sufficiency. The facility, a Defense Ministry initiative, is a state-of-the-art plant producing 30mm ammunition crucial for the Indian Army and Navy.
Singh also visited the Pinaka Rocket manufacturing facility and dispatched the initial batch of Guided Pinaka rockets to Armenia. He praised the private sector for its role in bolstering India’s defense capabilities and advancing towards self-reliance in ammunition production. Notably, he mentioned the indigenous Multi-Mode Hand Grenade handed over to the Indian Army in 2021, underscoring the nation’s progress in manufacturing high-quality defense products.
The Defence Minister lauded the successful deployment of Nagastra drones during Operation Sindoor, showcasing their precision in targeting terrorists. He expressed optimism about the enhanced versions of Nagastra, foreseeing their effectiveness in future operations. Singh also highlighted the recent test launch of the ‘Bhargavastra’ Counter Drone System, underscoring the private sector’s technological prowess. Furthermore, he mentioned the commencement of Pinaka missile exports, signaling India’s transition from an importer to an exporter in the defense sector.
Singh emphasized the significance of self-reliance in the context of evolving warfare dynamics, stressing the need for a robust defense industrial base. He noted the expanding dimensions of conflicts beyond traditional borders, encompassing energy, trade, technology, and information domains. The Defence Minister underscored the imperative for an agile defense sector supported by increased private sector participation in manufacturing and research and development.
