In an era marked by geopolitical uncertainty, this insightful book addresses one of the nation’s most pressing challenges—reducing dependence on foreign defence imports. It delves into the critical landscape of ammunition technology, exploring the historical, strategic, and policy hurdles that have shaped India`s defence posture and emphasizing the urgent need for self-reliance to bolster national security and strategic autonomy.

Tracing the evolution of India’s defence production journey, the book highlights transformative initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, alongside key policy frameworks. It candidly examines the obstacles that persist, including inadequate R&D infrastructure, bureaucratic inefficiencies, quality concerns within Ordnance Factories, and limited collaboration between public and private sectors.

The narrative underscores the necessity of adopting advanced technologies, such as precision-guided munitions and smart ammunition, advocating for robust investments in R&D, strategic public-private partnerships, and international collaborations to bridge technological gaps. Initiatives like the defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are showcased as vital steps toward creating specialized manufacturing ecosystems that can drive innovation.

With a keen focus on the private sector`s pivotal role in enhancing competitiveness and fostering innovation, the book also discusses the strategic importance of expanding defence exports to optimize production capabilities and strengthen global alliances. Concluding with actionable recommendations, this work calls for the modernization of production facilities, enhancement of R&D efforts, removal of regulatory bottlenecks, and a strengthened public-private synergy. It presents the quest for self-reliance in ammunition technology not just as a goal, but as a strategic imperative essential for safeguarding India`s sovereignty, enhancing its defence ecosystem, and amplifying its influence on the global stage.

This book is a clarion call for policymakers, industry leaders, and scholars alike, providing a comprehensive roadmap for positioning India as a global leader in defence technology and enabling it to assertively engage in international security dynamics.

Brig (Dr) Biju Jacob, VSM, is a distinguished scholar in the field of Defence and Strategic Studies, with a remarkable career spanning over 30 years as an Ammunition Officer. An esteemed alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, Higher Defence Management Course, now attending Advanced Professional Programme in Public Administration at Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi, he epitomizes excellence in military academia and practice.

Brig Jacob holds an impressive array of academic qualifications, including a Ph.D. in Defence & Strategic Studies, MSc in both Defence & Strategic Studies and Munitions Technology, and an MBA in Supply Chain Management. His academic pursuits are further complemented by a Master’s in Management Studies, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Rights.

As a leading authority in ammunition lifecycle management, Brig Jacob’s expertise encompasses a wide spectrum of critical areas: procurement (both imported and indigenous), stockpile management, quality assurance, proofing, storage, unexploded ordnance (UXO) disposal, and demilitarization. His innovative contributions to predictive shelf-life protocols and “Make in India” initiatives have significantly advanced the field.

Brig Jacob’s rich experience and profound insights make him a pivotal figure in contemporary defence studies, and this book reflects his dedication to enhancing understanding and practices within the domain.