By Chaitali Bag
Amidst the vibrant energy and patriotic fervour of Shaurya Diwas 2025, a moment of pride and inspiration unfolded as General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, unveiled three remarkable books that celebrate the spirit of valour, innovation, and sacrifice — the very cornerstones of India’s military ethos on 26th October 2025 at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. The event stood as a shining tribute to the heroes who defend the nation and to the brilliant minds advancing the frontiers of defence technology. Among these distinguished works, one that captured special attention was “Biting the Silver Bullet,” an extraordinary exploration into the science, design, and ingenuity behind ammunition, showcasing how India is harnessing technology to achieve ‘Atmanirbharta’ — self-reliance and global excellence — through the vision of Make in India, Made for the World. Authored by the insightful Shri Sanjay Soni and meticulously edited by Chaitali Bag, the book transcends technical discussion to embody the pulse of creativity, strategic foresight, and relentless innovation that power India’s defence ambitions. The unveiling was not merely a ceremonial gesture; it was a declaration of confidence in the nation’s growing prowess, a salute to those who dare to think, create, and protect, and a symbol of India’s ever-rising resolve to blend knowledge with courage to safeguard its future.
Every once in a while, a book arrives that doesn’t just add to the growing library of defence literature—it defines a new benchmark. BITING THE SILVER BULLET by Sanjay Soni is one such landmark. A masterful confluence of technical acumen, historical insight, and patriotic vision, this book invites readers to dive deep into a realm often taken for granted—the humble yet powerful projectile. Soni transforms what might seem like a niche subject into a sweeping narrative of technological mastery, operational insight, and national self-reliance.
From the first chapter, readers are drawn into the fascinating world of modern ammunition science. The author approaches every detail of bullet design and manufacture with the precision of an engineer and the storytelling ability of a historian. Whether it’s the metallurgy of the casing, the physics of propulsion, or the microscopic refinements that define ballistic behaviour, Soni explains it all with engaging clarity. The result is a book that simultaneously educates, inspires, and challenges readers to appreciate the immense sophistication behind every shot fired.
A Milestone in Defence Thought
This is not merely a manual for engineers or soldiers; it is a strategic document that situates India’s ammunition industry within the global context. As Managing Director of Hughes Precision, one of India’s leading ammunition manufacturers, Sanjay Soni brings an insider’s authority and an innovator’s passion. His book resonates deeply with the philosophy of Atmanirbharta—self-reliance in defence production—and stands as living proof of India’s capability to create knowledge “By India, For the World.”
Chaitali Bag’s editorial finesse shapes Soni’s technical insights into a compelling and accessible journey through both history and cutting-edge science. Together, they have produced a reference work that has been published by Indian Aerospace & Defence magazine, which competes with Western defence manuals yet remains inherently and proudly Indian in its perspective.
Where Science Meets the Battlefield
What sets BITING THE SILVER BULLET apart is its ability to connect intricate details of engineering to the real-world realities faced by soldiers and defence planners. It reminds us that a firearm, no matter how advanced, is only as effective as the projectile it fires. Soni’s exploration of accuracy and precision is particularly riveting—he unpacks concepts often discussed casually on shooting ranges and transforms them into lessons of physics and discipline.
The book delves into the many interdependent variables affecting small-caliber ammunition performance. Readers will learn how heat transforms a weapon’s behaviour, how temperature influences propellant combustion, and how the invisible currents of air—altitude, density, and humidity—shape a bullet’s flight. Through clear explanations and analytical depth, Soni transforms every environmental factor into a teachable moment, emphasizing the soldier’s need to adapt, observe, and think scientifically in the field.
Engineering the Perfect Round
Beyond theory, BITING THE SILVER BULLET is also an ode to craftsmanship. The sections on cartridge construction are riveting in their precision and lucidity. Soni outlines the anatomy of the firearm cartridge—the primer, propellant, casing, and projectile—with the kind of detail that reveals his decades of hands-on expertise. He demystifies the designs of primers (Boxer vs. Berdan), explains the logic of various rim types, and contrasts the properties of brass, steel, and aluminium casings. For every reader—be they a defence engineer, soldier, or curious civilian—these chapters serve as a revelation, turning a commonplace object into a marvel of mechanical design and controlled chemistry.
The Broader Vision
What truly stays with you after reading BITING THE SILVER BULLET is its sense of purpose. It’s not only about bullets and ballistics—it’s about the mindset of innovation. It’s about recognizing that India’s defence strength is not limited to imported technology or borrowed expertise. With every page, Soni advocates for knowledge creation, indigenous capacity building, and strategic independence. His work is a call to researchers, commanders, industry partners, and policymakers to believe in India’s ability to lead and innovate globally.
BITING THE SILVER BULLET is therefore more than a technical guide—it’s a manifesto for self-reliant excellence. It speaks to the soul of the modern Indian armed forces and industry alike, bridging laboratory precision with battlefield pragmatism.
Why This Book Matters
For anyone seeking to understand the science behind ballistic performance, the subtleties of shooting accuracy, or the engineering marvels behind modern small arms, this is an indispensable volume. Defence professionals will find in it a practical guide; scholars, a rich research source; and every reader, a proud reminder that the future of India’s defence innovation is written not in borrowed words but forged in its own factories and minds.
In Soni’s capable hands, the bullet ceases to be a mere projectile and becomes a symbol—a gleaming microcosm of skill, science, and sovereignty.
With BITING THE SILVER BULLET, Sanjay Soni has fired not just a round of information, but a salvo of inspiration. This book promises to become a treasured addition to every defence library, every scholar’s desk, and every patriot’s heart—a definitive statement that India’s precision is as powerful as its purpose.
