New Delhi, Oct 5: In a major step toward self-reliance and long-term defence preparedness, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has opened the development and manufacturing of missiles, artillery shells, bombs, and ammunition to the private sector, ending decades of state monopoly in key segments of India’s firepower production.
According to sources, the move aims to ensure that India never faces a shortage of ammunition or stand-off weapons during prolonged hostilities, while accelerating the country’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) drive in defence manufacturing.
The decision, though not officially announced, follows an amendment to the Revenue Procurement Manual (RPM), removing the earlier mandatory requirement for private firms to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the state-owned Munitions India Limited (MIL) before setting up ammunition production units.
With the amendment in place, private companies can now manufacture a wide range of munitions — including 105 mm, 130 mm, and 150 mm artillery shells, Pinaka rockets, 1,000-pound bombs, mortar bombs, hand grenades, and small and medium-calibre ammunition.
In a parallel move, the ministry has also written to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), conveying its intent to open up missile development and integration to private players. Until now, state-owned firms such as Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) were the exclusive manufacturers of missiles and surface-to-air systems like Akash, Astra, Konkurs, and Milan, as well as torpedoes.
Officials familiar with the development said the decision was influenced by lessons from Operation Sindoor, which underscored the rising importance of long-range, precision-guided missiles and stand-off weapons in modern warfare. The operation demonstrated that future battles will rely less on manned fighter aircraft and more on over-the-horizon strike and anti-missile defence systems.
During the conflict, India’s S-400 air defence system reportedly shot down a Pakistan electronic intelligence aircraft deep inside Punjab province — a show of technological superiority in air defence and missile warfare.
Sources added that the government believes private sector participation is vital to meeting the growing demand for conventional missiles such as BrahMos, Nirbhay, Pralay, and Shaurya, while strategic missile development will remain under DRDO’s domain.
The move also comes amid global shortages of ammunition and missile systems, with the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and the Middle East straining global supply chains. Officials said the policy will help India avoid dependency on foreign vendors or emergency imports during crises, unlike in the past.
By inviting private innovation and investment, the Defence Ministry aims to build a robust, diversified, and future-ready defence industrial base capable of sustaining India’s strategic and operational needs in any long-term conflict. (Agencies)
