Adani Defence & Aerospace, the nation's leading private sector defence manufacturer, has unveiled two ground-breaking facilities dedicated to the production of ammunition and missiles. The inauguration of these cutting-edge complexes marks a historic milestone, being the first of their kind in India's private sector. The move is poised to substantially enhance the nation's self-reliance and technological prowess in defence.
The inauguration ceremony, attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath, and high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Defence, witnessed the unveiling of South Asia's largest facilities. Among the distinguished guests were chief of Army Staff, Gen Manoj Pande AVSM VSM SM ADC, GOC-in-C of Central Command, Lt Gen N. S. Raja Subramani PVSM AVSM SM VSM, and Master General of Sustenance, Lt Gen Amardeep Singh Aujla UYSM YSM SM VSM. They commended Adani Defence's pivotal role in fortifying both the state and the nation through its innovative contributions.
The occasion coincided with the fifth anniversary of the Balakot airstrike 'Operation Bandar', a historic testament to India's strategic assertiveness in countering external threats.
Spanning across 500 acres, the facility located in Kanpur is slated to emerge as one of the largest integrated ammunition manufacturing complexes in South Asia. It is geared to produce top-tier small, medium, and large calibre ammunition catering to the needs of the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and police. Operations have already commenced with the production of small calibre ammunition, with an initial output of 150 million rounds, estimated to cover 25 per cent of India's annual requirement.
Speaking at the event, Yogi Adityanath expressed immense pride, hailing the facility as a testament to Uttar Pradesh's transformation into an industrial powerhouse and its unwavering commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative. He underscored the pivotal role of Adani Defence & Aerospace in propelling the development of a robust defence ecosystem within the state.
Chief of Army Staff, Gen Manoj Pande AVSM VSM SM ADC emphasized the imperative of self-reliance in missiles and ammunition, particularly in light of recent geopolitical events. He hailed the substantial investments made by Adani Defence & Aerospace and its dedication to indigenising critical technologies, which have bolstered confidence in relying on Indian private industry for strategic military supplies.
According to the release, Adani Defence & Aerospace, the flagship defence entity of Adani Group, is not only committed to bolstering India's defence capabilities but also focuses on developing unique capabilities across various domains such as unmanned systems, counter-drone technologies, and cyber defence.
CEO Ashish Rajvanshi highlighted the transformative impact of the newly established facilities, emphasising their role in fostering self-reliance and generating employment opportunities. With a planned investment exceeding Rs 3,000 crores, the complexes are poised to create over 4,000 jobs, with significant spillover effects benefiting MSMEs and the local ecosystem.
The ammunition complex, operational within two years of its announcement during the Uttar Pradesh Investors' Summit in 2022, boasts state-of-the-art automation and stringent quality control measures, ensuring unparalleled standards in safety and reliability. Additionally, as a PESO certified complex, it will house explosive handling facilities for missiles and precision-guided munitions.
Adani Defence & Aerospace, a division of Adani Group, is at the forefront of designing, developing, and manufacturing state-of-the-art defence products. With a steadfast commitment to the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, the company aims to bolster national security by fostering a vibrant defence ecosystem.