Rajnath Singh at 'Ammo India' : "Advanced ammunition is the reality of new age warfare"

New Delhi, Jul 28: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for innovations in the field of ammunition for the creation of a strong and self-reliant base that keeps the Armed Forces fully prepared to deal with future challenges. He was addressing the inaugural session of the second conference on Military Ammunition (Ammo India) on the theme ‘Make in India Opportunities and Challenges’.

 

 

 

 

On Jul 27, at the inaugural session of Ammo India, Defence minister Rajnath Singh described advanced ammunition as the reality of the new age warfare, which is a must for India, given its regional and global imperatives and security challenges. He said, “Scientific and technological as well as the economic development of a nation is reflected in the capacity of its weapons and ammunition...For India to become a world power and one of the leading countries in defence production, we must move forward in the indigenous design, development and production of ammunition."

 

Rajnath Singh asserted that the govt understands the crucial role private sector can play in strengthening the defence sector and to enhance their participation in the field of ammunition, many barriers, which were earlier prevalent, have been removed. The Union Minister exhorted the public and private sectors, research and development establishments, start-ups, academia and individual innovators to explore newer avenues which can create a base that caters to the needs of the Armed Forces, ensuring their enhanced preparedness.

 

 

 

 

 

Singh said, “The employment of precision guided ammunition at ‘Muntho Dhalo’ base played an important role in India’s victory in 1999 Kargil war. Precision strike of ammunition during 2019 strikes on terror camps in Balakot also ensured our success in the operation. Ammunition in modern battlefields is emerging in its new avatar, which once programmed can automatically take inputs, make course corrections and target the appropriate location at the right time. Earlier, only the size and explosive capacity of bombs mattered, but now their smartness is equally important."

 

On the occasion, Rajnath Singh also inaugurated an exhibition showcasing products developed by the Indian Navy, DPSUs and the private sector. He also released a ‘Knowledge Paper’ at the conference. The two-day conference comprises sessions on ammunition for tanks and armoured fighting vehicles, artillery including fuses, air defence, aerial munitions, munitions for precision attacks by drones and counter drone systems, naval munitions and ammunition for small arms, explosives and mines.