India Taps Private Defence Players To Scale Up Anti-Drone And Smart Ammo Production: Report

Amid the ongoing tensions with Pakistan, the government has reportedly reached out to private defence manufacturers like Bharat Forge and Mahindra Defence to scale up production of critical defence equipment, Indian Express reported.

The private players have reportedly been asked to ramp up supplies of ammunition such as anti-drone and smart munitions, as well as armoured platforms that can be integrated with loitering munitions and guided missiles.

Private players have been asked to step up output of some items, including designated ammunition, over and above what is already being produced by the ordnance factories.

These suppliers are expected to be called for a for a follow-up meeting shortly, IE reported citing industry sources.

Bharat Forge operates a major defence manufacturing facility in Jejuri, near Pune, which is involved in assembly and integration of guns, vehicles, small and medium arms, and systems.

Earlier this year, Bharat Forge signed a deal with the Defence Ministry to supply 184 indigenously developed Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS).

These 155/52 mm calibre ATAGS were co-developed with the DRDO.

With a firing range of 48 km, the indigenous ATAGS feature all-electric drives, making them more maintenance-efficient than hydraulic systems.

The system can move at a speed of 18 kmph, unlike towed guns, which typically move at around 8 kmph.

The ATAGS can fire six rounds per minute, double the rate of standard towed artillery.

Existing ammunition can be successfully fired from the ATAGS without requiring special modifications.

Mahindra Defence holds licences to manufacture small arms and ammunition, alongside producing armoured and unarmoured mobility vehicles for the Army.

The company also produces the Marksman, a military vehicle designed for urban warfare, and the Rakshak, an armored military utility vehicle.

Under the “Make in India” push, the Army had earlier sought vendors to produce 23mm anti-drone ammunition.

The country’s defence production has grown sharply since the launch of the “Make in India” initiative, reaching a record Rs 1.27 lakh crore in FY24.

Domestic production now accounts for 65 per cent of defence needs — a reversal from the 65-70 per cent import reliance a decade back.

Private players like Bharat Forge, Mahindra, and Tata contributed 21 per cent of defence production in FY24, helping drive innovation and output.

India’s defence ecosystem includes 16 PSUs, over 430 licensed firms, and 16,000 MSMEs.

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