Private firms can now make missiles, ammunition
Big news for India's defense sector: as of October 2025, private firms can now manufacture missiles and ammunition without needing a green light from the government-run Munitions India Limited.
This covers everything from artillery shells to Pinaka missiles and hand grenades.
The move is all about boosting local production and cutting down on imports.
India aims to boost local production and reduce imports
With global supply chains shaky due to ongoing conflicts, India wants to make sure it isn't left short on critical defense supplies.
Letting private companies step in should speed things up, spark more innovation, and help the country become more self-reliant—key goals of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The government has communicated with DRDO about opening missile development to the private sector, with DRDO retaining responsibility for strategic missile development, aiming for a stronger, future-ready defense system that includes next-gen weapons like BrahMos and Pralay.