In a significant demonstration of India’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, visited the Dehu Road Military Station to observe a showcase of advanced modified in-service ammunition at the 29 Field Ammunition Depot. The event highlighted indigenous innovations aimed at boosting defense self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
During the demonstration, various advancements in ammunition technology that have been developed through local industrial capabilities were presented. This focus on indigenous production aligns with the Ministry of Defence’s reported 16.5% increase in indigenous procurement for the year 2024. A study by the RAND Corporation in 2023 indicated a 25% reduction in India’s reliance on foreign defense imports over the past decade, a trend that is being reinforced by these localized technological innovations.
Lt Gen Seth’s visit also included a tour of the Central Ordnance Depot, where he commended its crucial role in ensuring the timely provision of essential supplies during operational deployments. Engaging with both military personnel and civilian staff, he emphasized the critical need for ongoing innovation and the modernization of logistics to enhance responsiveness to the demands of the frontline—a challenge that was particularly underscored during the 1999 Kargil War.
This visit aligns with the Army’s ongoing “Decade of Transformation” strategy and complements the national vision termed “Viksit Bharat 2047,” which seeks to elevate India’s military capabilities through technology-driven self-sufficiency and improved operational efficiency.
