Breaking Barriers in Defence Tech: How Priyanka Singhal is Inspiring the Next Generation of Women Leaders

Priyanka Singhal, a trailblazer in India’s defence technology sector, is rewriting the rules for women in a male-dominated industry. Her journey is a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and vision.

Growing up in a business family in Amritsar, Priyanka learned the intricacies of entrepreneurship early on at her father’s company, Charmachan Hospitality LLP. Her schooling at Sacred Heart School, Dalhousie, and a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Amritsar laid the foundation for a career driven by curiosity and innovation.

The turning point came during her final year of engineering when a friendly challenge led her to apply for an internship at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Selected among a competitive pool of over a hundred candidates, Priyanka gained hands-on experience with cutting-edge defence technologies, including warhead electronics and explosive initiation systems. Watching her first test explosion sparked a lifelong passion.

After briefly preparing for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Priyanka chose to leverage her technical and business expertise to make a tangible impact in the defence sector. In 2019, she founded Ammunic Systems (initially Tech Wave Solutions), a company dedicated to developing indigenous defence technologies in line with the Make in India initiative.

Under her leadership, Ammunic Systems achieved remarkable milestones, including India’s first fully indigenous electronic fusing system for underwater munitions. Despite challenges in funding and industry skepticism, Priyanka bootstrapped her venture and steadily built credibility, securing orders from the Army, Navy, and DRDO. Today, Ammunic Systems is projected to achieve Rs 40 crore in revenue, with a valuation of Rs 250 crore.

Priyanka’s vision goes beyond technology she is committed to gender inclusion in defence. Striving for a workforce comprising 50% women, she actively trains female interns, fosters flexible work cultures, and even provides support for working mothers, creating a workplace that empowers women to excel.

Priyanka Singhal’s journey inspires young women across India: with courage, passion, and persistence, it is possible to break barriers, innovate fearlessly, and shape the future.