New Delhi: Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI), a Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited, has achieved a major technological milestone by successfully producing armour-grade aluminium alloy wide plates through indigenous processing for the first time in India. The development marks a significant step toward strengthening the country’s self-reliance in strategic defence materials under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The company operates under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, and is classified as a Miniratna Category-I Defence Public Sector Undertaking.
Breakthrough in Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
MIDHANI has successfully developed high-strength 7XXX series aluminium alloy plates using its advanced Wide Plate Mill facility. These plates are designed for critical defence applications requiring high strength and durability.
Key highlights of the achievement include:
- First-ever indigenous processing of armour-grade aluminium alloy wide plates in India
- Production of Al-Zn-Mg (Aluminium-Zinc-Magnesium) alloy ingots, later forged and rolled into wide plates
- Plates manufactured in dimensions of approximately 23 x 1350 x 4500 mm
This marks a major advancement in India’s capability to produce strategic materials domestically.
Expansion of High-Strength Aluminium Alloy Capabilities
MIDHANI has also demonstrated earlier success in rolling 2XXX series aluminium alloy plates, with dimensions reaching approximately 8 x 2800 x 12000 mm.
With its upgraded infrastructure, the organization is now capable of rolling plates up to 3000 mm width, significantly enhancing its production capacity and technological strength in the defence materials sector.
Reducing Import Dependence in Strategic Materials
Until now, India largely depended on imports for wide armour-grade aluminium alloy plates used in defence applications.
With this indigenous breakthrough:
- Import dependency on critical defence materials will reduce significantly
- Domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem will be strengthened
- Availability of strategic materials for defence platforms will improve
This development is expected to support future defence programs and enhance national security capabilities.
Strengthening India’s Defence and Strategic Ecosystem
MIDHANI stated that this achievement reflects its commitment to innovation, research, and technological excellence in strategic materials.
The organisation plays a key role in supplying advanced metals and alloys to sectors including:
- Defence
- Aerospace
- Space
- Energy
- Other critical industrial applications
This milestone aligns with India’s broader goal of boosting indigenous defence production and technological self-reliance.
Contribution to Atmanirbhar Bharat Vision
The successful development of armour-grade aluminium alloy wide plates supports the Government of India’s Narendra Modi vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
It strengthens India’s position in advanced materials manufacturing and reduces reliance on foreign suppliers for critical defence components.
About MIDHANI
Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited is a premier Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, specializing in the production of high-performance special metals and alloys. The company supports India’s strategic sectors such as defence, aerospace, and space by developing advanced materials essential for critical applications.
Read also: Rare Earth Independence: How MIDHANI Plans to Secure India’s Strategic Material Future
