New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on Thursday said that the global disruptions have presented an opportunity for the Indian Defence Eco-system to ramp up their defence manufacturing capabilities so that India transcends from being an importer to being an exporter of munitions and ammunition.
The CDS was speaking at Ammo India 2024 Conference organised by FICCI here, an official statement said.
Stating that the global geopolitical environment is in a state of flux, the CDS said, “We are passing through an era of big global disruptions. Amidst the vagaries of the volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) of the world, the global arms industry is grappling with a seemingly insurmountable problem of widening demand and supply gap”.
Gen Chauhan highlighted the importance of Aatmanirbharta and self-reliance in defence and emphasised how it is central to attaining strategic autonomy for the nation.
He mentioned various policy changes, reforms and the initiatives taken by the Defence Ministry and the armed forces to promote Make in India and Make for the World drive, especially with respect to ammunition manufacturing.
Underscoring the significance of about civil-military fusion, the CDS called upon the troika of the services, defence industries and the scientists including academia to come together for promoting the nation’s Aatmanirbharta drive.
The full day event has sessions discussing ammunition requirements for tanks and AFVs, artillery, air defence, aerial and navy, munitions for unmanned platforms, loitering ammunition and futuristic munitions as also small arms.
He also inaugurated an exhibition showcasing Atmanirbharta in munitions.
