In a significant move towards bolstering India’s defense capabilities and promoting local manufacturing, billionaire Gautam Adani’s conglomerate has initiated a groundbreaking investment of ₹3,000 crore ($362 million) in the establishment of two mega ammunition factories. These facilities, commenced by Adani Defence & Aerospace, a subsidiary of the Adani Group, signify a pivotal step in India’s quest for self-reliance in defense production.
Located in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur, spanning across 500 acres, the newly inaugurated factories are poised to play a pivotal role in catering to the ammunition requirements of the Indian Armed Forces, paramilitary forces, and police. Karan Adani, the founder’s son overseeing the burgeoning defense business, revealed that the factories will produce a staggering 150 million rounds of ammunition annually, equivalent to approximately a quarter of India’s total requirements.
The establishment of these factories aligns closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to bolster indigenous manufacturing and diminish reliance on imports, thereby fostering economic growth and strategic autonomy. The move not only underscores the Adani Group’s commitment to national security but also signifies a paradigm shift in India’s defense production landscape.
Karan Adani emphasized the strategic significance of reducing India’s dependence on imports for defense needs, asserting that it not only compromises strategic autonomy but also hampers economic potential. The newly inaugurated manufacturing facility is anticipated to generate over 4,000 employment opportunities, further contributing to the nation’s socio-economic development.
Looking ahead, the manufacturing facility aims to ramp up production, with plans to manufacture 200,000 rounds annually of large caliber artillery and tank ammunition by 2025, along with five million rounds of medium caliber ammunition in subsequent years. Moreover, the facility is equipped to produce short-range and long-range missiles, demonstrating a comprehensive approach towards enhancing India’s defense capabilities.
Adani Defence & Aerospace has already established a strong foothold in the defense sector, manufacturing a diverse range of products including drones, anti-drone systems, and small arms such as light machine guns, assault rifles, and pistols. The conglomerate’s foray into ammunition production marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards achieving self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing and underscores the nation’s commitment to bolstering its defense infrastructure.
Sources By Agencies