India`s journey through Amrit Kaal presents a unique opportunity to transform its defence landscape and emerge as a global leader in ammunition manufacturing. This book offers a forward-looking strategic framework to position India as a technologically advanced, self-reliant and globally competitive ammunition powerhouse by 2047, the centenary of independence.

It emphasises the need to move beyond conventional arms production and embrace next-generation smart munitions through a comprehensive roadmap for building a robust manufacturing ecosystem. The book outlines clear pathways for establishing Integrated Ammunition Nodes-cluster-based hubs that integrate R&D, testing, production, and supply chain logistics across public and private stakeholders. Drawing lessons from recent global conflicts and envisioning Scenario 2050, the book explores how future warfare, driven by precision, automation, and resilience, will hinge on AI integration. A major focus is placed on securing critical input materials, promoting indigenous R&D and modernising ammunition factories. It advocates forging strategic international alliances to mitigate material dependencies and leveraging defence industrial corridors to scale up manufacturing and exports.

As India prepares for a future defined by precision warfare, this book serves as a timely reminder to keep our powder dry, to stay alert, agile and always prepared. In an era where global flashpoints can escalate rapidly, turning the world into a geopolitical powder keg, India must build deep resilience into its defence manufacturing architecture. With a phased roadmap (2027–2037–2047), the book envisions India`s rise as a future-ready ammunition ecosystem, smart in design, secure in supply and scalable in capability, an enduring pillar of national strength and a cornerstone of Viksit Bharat.

Brig (Dr) Biju Jacob, VSM, is a distinguished expert in Defence and Strategic Studies and a prolific writer, with over three decades of exemplary service as an Ammunition Officer in the Indian Army. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, Higher Defence Management Course and the Advanced Professional Programme in Public Administration, he exemplifies the finest blend of military professionalism, academic rigour and strategic foresight. Brig Jacob holds a Ph.D. in Defence and Strategic Studies, along with master’s degrees in Defence & Strategic Studies, Munitions Technology, Management Studies, Public Administration, and Supply Chain Management. He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Rights and is certified in Foreign Military Sales procurement from the Defence Institute of Security Assistance Management, USA.

A leading authority in ammunition lifecycle management, Brig Jacob`s expertise spans every facet of the discipline including both indigenous and imported procurement, stockpile management, quality assurance, proof, storage, UXO disposal, and demilitarisation.

Brig Jacob’s first book, Shaping India’s Arsenal–The Path to Self-Reliance in Ammunition Manufacturing, struck a deep chord with readers and defence experts alike, marking a landmark contribution to the field. He has contributed extensively to leading defence and policy journals, focusing on procurement reforms, self-reliance and the evolving dynamics of India`s ammunition ecosystem. His work embodies a lifelong dedication to strengthening national defence through knowledge, innovation, and strategic foresight.