• India’s Defence Story: A Conversation with Sanjay Soni, Managing Director, Hughes Precision Manufacturing Pvt Ltd

 By Sangeeta Saxena

New Delhi. 15 August 2025. Private sector ammunition manufacturing in India has emerged as a key driver of the country’s defence industrial base, complementing the efforts of traditional public sector undertakings. Enabled by progressive government policies, liberalised licensing, and the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, private companies are increasingly investing in state-of-the-art facilities, advanced technologies, and global collaborations to produce a wide range of small arms ammunition, medium- and large-calibre rounds, and specialised munitions. Firms such as Hughes Precision and others have established export-oriented units that not only cater to the requirements of the Indian Armed Forces, paramilitary, and police but also serve international markets across Asia, Europe, and Africa. By focusing on innovation, indigenisation, and efficiency, the private sector is reducing import dependency, improving competitiveness, and contributing to India’s aspiration of becoming a leading defence manufacturing hub. This growth underscores the strategic importance of private players in ensuring sustainability, scalability, and global integration of India’s ammunition manufacturing ecosystem.

In an exclusive interview with Aviation & Defence Universe (ADU) at the Police Expo, Sanjay Soni, Managing Director of Hughes Precision Manufacturing Pvt Ltd, shared insights into his company’s journey, vision, and contributions to India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. With one of the world’s largest ranges of ammunition, Hughes Precision has carved a niche not just in India but across 24 countries, symbolising India’s growing capability to export cutting-edge defence technology. From indigenous R&D to special ammunition for unique operational environments, Soni highlighted the challenges, achievements, and future aspirations of Hughes Precision under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

ADU. We are here at the Police Expo and to understand that Hughes is here, big stall and a lot of footfall , we’ve been seeing since yesterday. Today is day two, so what are you showcasing here?

Sanjay Soni. We are showcasing our entire range of ammunition which is amongst one of the largest in the world actually. We have a large range of military ammunition, we have ammunition for special forces, for commandos and also for civilian market. And we are trying to help the police modernisation programmes with creating their ammo more lethal, more effective ammunition than what they have been using in the past. That’s what our major objective of exhibiting here is that to show them all the options available and what is now available in manufactured within the country and they don’t have to think of import or anything else. They are offering international quality at very reasonable prices and also advanced technology.

ADU. How has Hughes Precision seen the change since it began?

Sanjay Soni. “ Hughes Precision has undergone a remarkable transformation. When we started, we set up one of India’s first private-sector small-calibre ammunition facilities in Verna Industrial Estate, Goa, spread over 8,000 square meters with a test lab and firing range. Over the years, we have grown from being a promising entrant into becoming a truly export-oriented unit, with more than 90% of our production reaching over two dozen countries. At the same time, we have steadily increased our contribution to the Indian armed forces, paramilitary, police, and civilian markets. Importantly, we have been able to indigenize almost a majority of our supply chain, with only primers and powders being sourced from Europe and the US. This journey from 2016 to today reflects not just expanded capacity but also our role as a flag-bearer of India’s self-reliance in ammunition manufacturing.”

ADU. And you have your manufacturing lines in India?

 Sanjay Soni. Yes in Goa. We started in 2019, it’s been six years now. God has been kind, I cannot complain. It’s been tough but we have had a first mover advantage. We are trying to keep ahead of everyone else. That’s a very big thing. Unless and until you’re competing with the Ordnance Factory Board. We participate in all army and paramilitary tenders.

 ADU. And generally, when you have a manufacturing line in India, is it sufficing only for the Indian customers? You have an export market from here?

 Sanjay Soni. Only 10% of the Indian market, 90% is exported to more than 24 countries, which is what makes us unique. We are not focused, like we’re not running after only India business. From day one, we started as an export orientated unit. I spent two years in an ammunition factory in the US. That’s where I learned ammunition technology, manufacturing, everything. So when we came, we didn’t need to have a joint venture partner.

ADU. So the ammunition you are making, how do you make it tailor made to their unique requirements?

Sanjay Soni. Our ammunition has been tested by DGQA, which is the Indian Army’s arm at 14,000 feet altitude in Sikkim. And it’s also been tested in Barmer in Rajasthan at plus 50 degrees. So we cover ammunition that is suitable for all environments. We also have developed ammunition for the first time in the country to be used by Navy divers underwater, which is very, very challenging. This was not done for Indian Navy, but for a foreign.

ADU. But have you offered to the Indian Navy? You’ve shown it to them?

 Sanjay Soni. We are evaluating it. So when you talk of Navy, saline water, something different has to be planned, research, R&D has to go into it. Saline water is much more corrosive, much more challenging than just say fresh water. So we had to do a lot of homework before we could actually come out and go around. Absolutely. They were very happy with the result. Very nice.

ADU. Innovation is part of our philosophy. But we have to bring something new, something better. So you have a good R&D wing?

 Sanjay Soni. Yes. We spend quite a bit of funds every year on Research & Development (R&D) . Nearly five to eight percent. Which for a small company is good.

ADU. Is your supply chain totally Indian ?

Sanjay Soni. We have 80% Indianisation. We get two critical requirements-the primer and the powder from outside. Europe and US and we do not buy from China, which makes us totally Atmanirbhar, make in India.

ADU. And generally, when you have a manufacturing line in India, is it sufficing only for the Indian customers? Do you have an export market from here?

Sanjay Soni. Only 10% of our market is in India, while 90% is exported to more than 24 countries, which is what makes us unique. We are not focused only on India; we are not running after just the Indian business. From day one, we started as an export-oriented unit.

ADU. So when you started, it was an absolutely Indian brand?

Sanjay Soni. Yes. I spent two years in an ammunition factory in the US. That is where I learned ammunition technology, manufacturing, everything. So when we came, we didn’t need to have a joint venture partner.

ADU. You didn’t require it? It’s all homegrown technology?

Sanjay Soni. Exactly. It’s all homegrown technology.

ADU. And your customers at the moment include all the armed forces and the police forces, paramilitary, special forces, and also civilian markets in India as well as in some other countries?

Sanjay Soni. Yes, absolutely. And when we talk about the paramilitary forces, their deployments are in places like high altitude or very hot terrains such as the desert.

As the conversation grows , Sanjay Soni’s perspective reflects the growing confidence of India’s defence MSMEs in carving out a global niche. His emphasis on exports, indigenisation, and resilience in navigating procurement challenges resonates with the larger national vision of becoming a global defence production hub. With companies like Hughes Precision leading the way, India’s journey from being a defence importer to a defence exporter appears firmly on track, making Atmanirbhar Bharat not just a slogan but a tangible reality.

ADU. What is the importance of self reliance in ammunition manufacturing?

Sanjay Soni. Self-reliance in ammunition manufacturing has become a bedrock of India’s defence preparedness and strategic autonomy. Traditionally dependent on foreign suppliers for critical components, India has now placed strong emphasis on indigenous production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The drive towards local manufacturing not only reduces vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions but also ensures uninterrupted availability of ammunition for the Armed Forces in times of conflict. Indigenous private players and MSMEs, alongside established public sector undertakings, are playing a pivotal role in this transformation by introducing modern technologies, expanding production capacities, and developing niche capabilities. By strengthening domestic supply chains and focusing on exports, India is not only enhancing its operational readiness but also positioning itself as a credible global supplier in the defence manufacturing ecosystem.

ADU. You mentioned that the Indian defence story is just beginning. How do you see it evolving?

Sanjay Soni. I think the Indian defence story is just beginning. And with the Prime Minister’s vision, we will definitely be one of the greatest military production powers in the next five years. We are already a big military power, but I see India becoming a true defence production powerhouse. The thrust given by the government is definitely driving MSMEs like ours and also a lot of start-ups to fulfil the vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat and to contribute to exports.

ADU. What advice would you give to those entering the defence industry?

Sanjay Soni. I have a word of advice for anyone trying to enter the defence industry: don’t look only at the Indian paramilitary, military, or police markets. The lead time for procurement here is very long, and you may get frustrated and lose hope. You also need to have deep pockets at the end of the day. That’s why I always suggest starting with an export focus so that you’re not held ransom to this lengthy procurement process.

Hughes Precision Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd. has positioned itself as a pioneering private-sector player in India’s ammunition manufacturing landscape, embodying the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence. Established with a strong export orientation, the company has created a niche by supplying over 90% of its production to more than two dozen countries, while also catering to India’s armed forces, paramilitary, police, and civilian markets. With technology expertise rooted in global best practices—gained through experience in leading international ammunition factories—Hughes Precision has built fully indigenous, homegrown capabilities, ensuring that nearly 80% of its supply chain is Indian. The company manufactures a diverse portfolio of small arms ammunition tailored to perform in varied terrains, from high-altitude deployments to desert operations, highlighting its operational reliability. By combining self-reliance, quality assurance, and international competitiveness, Hughes Precision stands as a model of how Indian private defence enterprises can achieve global scale while strengthening national security imperatives.

As told to Sangeeta Saxena