From import dependence to export power: India arms its Aatmanirbhar future

Inaugurating the Medium Caliber Ammunition Manufacturing Facility of space Limited in Nagpur, Maharashtra, the defence minister recalled a time when ammunition shortages constrained defence preparedness, prompting a decisive shift toSolar Defence & Aerowards self-reliance. The newly inaugurated facility is a fully automated plant manufacturing 30 mm ammunition, widely used by the Indian Army and the Indian Navy.

• Defence minister inaugurates automated ammunition hub in Nagpur
• Private sector set to claim 50%+ role in defence manufacturing
• Guided Pinaka rockets flagged off for Armenia
• Operation Sindoor cited as proof of indigenous firepower
• Public–private synergy seen as backbone of India’s defence ecosystem

Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh reiterates Govt’s commitment to #Aatmanirbharta in defence, inaugurates a fully automated 30mm ammunition facility in Nagpur. From Pinaka exports to Nagastra & Bhargavastra, India is fast emerging as a global defence manufacturing hub. 🇮🇳

Read… pic.twitter.com/8C1puDKj2h

— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) January 18, 2026

During the visit, the defence minister also toured the Pinaka rocket manufacturing unit and flagged off the first tranche of Guided Pinaka rockets to Armenia, marking another milestone in India’s growing defence exports.

Commending the expanding role of private industry, the defence minister said India is steadily advancing in ammunition production by delivering quality and reliable defence products. He referred to the induction of the Multi-Mode Hand Grenade, a fully indigenous ammunition system developed by the private sector and handed over to the Army in 2021. Highlighting operational success, he said Nagastra drones, manufactured by the Solar Group, were effectively used during Operation Sindoor, accurately striking terrorist targets and proving their strategic capability. He also welcomed the development of advanced versions of Nagastra, expressing confidence in their future operational impact.

The defence minister noted that the successful test launch of the Bhargavastra Counter Drone System, developed by the same group, reflects the technological strength of India’s private defence industry. Referring to the commencement of Pinaka missile exports, he said this demonstrated that India is no longer only an importer but is rapidly emerging as a credible defence exporter.

Calling Operation Sindoor a clear example of the importance of self-reliance, the defence minister warned that warfare is becoming increasingly complex. “New methods of warfare are emerging. Wars are no longer confined to borders. Areas such as energy, trade, tariffs, supply chains, technology and information have also become new dimensions of conflict. The importance of border vigilance and latest weapons and technologies has increased. Irrespective of the nature of war, the need of a robust defence industrial base will always remain. In such a situation, increased private sector’s involvement in manufacturing and research & development is the need of the hour,” he said.

Emphasising future targets, he stated that the government is working to ensure that the private sector’s share in defence manufacturing reaches 50% or more. “The capabilities and innovations of the private sector clearly demonstrate its full potential. The government is making every effort to strengthen the private sector and promote domestic vendors. We have decided to gradually indigenise our platforms, systems and subsystems. Even for those things that we cannot manufacture, a provision for at least 50% indigenous content has been made. As a result of these efforts, we have been successful in increasing our indigenous content in many areas. This has also boosted the morale of the private sector,” he said.

Listing the outcomes of sustained policy reforms, the defence minister said domestic defence production, which stood at ₹46,425 crore in 2014, has grown to a record around ₹1.51 lakh crore, with over ₹33,000 crore contributed by the private sector. He added that defence exports, which were below ₹1,000 crore a decade ago, have now touched a record ₹24,000 crore.

Highlighting structural strengths, he said India has a rare and effective blend of public and private sectors in defence manufacturing. “We have capable and experienced public sector institutions, along with strong and rapidly growing private companies. This balance is quite rare. There is a need to deepen this synergy, further enhance the capabilities of the private sector, constantly update them, and provide them with new technology, new opportunities and new responsibilities. The two sectors must complement each other, recognise each other’s strengths, and utilise them for national benefit,” he added.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and representatives of Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited were present at the event.