New Delhi: India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, inaugurated a new medium calibre ammunition manufacturing facility in Nagpur as part of the government’s larger push for self-reliance in defence production.
Details of Nagpur Ammunition Facility
On January 19, 2026, the Defence Minister inaugurated the Medium Calibre Ammunition Manufacturing Facility at Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited in Nagpur, Maharashtra, a fully automated plant that will produce 30mm ammunition for the Indian Army and Navy.
The new facility is designed to help meet critical ammunition requirements for air defence systems and naval guns, significantly strengthening India’s domestic supply chain. Previously, the country relied heavily on imports for such ammunition.
Rajnath Singh described the plant’s launch as a major step toward self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) in defense production, saying that India aims to become a global hub for ammunition manufacturing.
Private Sector Steering Defence Growth
The announcement reiterated the government’s push to increase private sector participation in defence production. Singh highlighted that India’s goal is to reach more than 50% private sector involvement in future defence manufacturing initiatives.
In recent years, private companies like Solar Defence & Aerospace have become key partners in manufacturing critical defence equipment previously sourced from government run units or abroad. This partnership strengthens domestic capability, fosters innovation, and unlocks export potential.
Export Milestone: Guided Pinaka Rockets to Armenia
During his visit to Nagpur, Defence Minister Singh also flagged off the first consignment of guided Pinaka rockets for export to Armenia.
These guided rockets, developed as part of India’s long-range artillery systems, reflect the growing strength of indigenous military technology. The export deal underscores India’s expanding footprint in global defence markets.
What is the Importance of Nagpur Ammunition Facility
Singh recalled past periods when a shortage of ammunition affected military planning and preparedness, stressing that domestic production is essential for future readiness.
The new plant, he said, will help ensure that Indian forces have reliable access to ammunition, reduce dependency on imports, and enhance defence preparedness across multiple theatres.
Advancing Self-Reliance: A Long Term Mission
India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing has already seen notable gains.
Domestic annual defence production has surged from around ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to approximately ₹1.51 lakh crore today, while defence exports jumped from under ₹1,000 crore to an estimated ₹24,000 crore.
Singh praised the public-private partnership model as one of India’s strengths, and reiterated government support for research, development, and innovation in defence technologies.
Beyond Ammunition: Tech Innovation & Future Defence Capabilities
The Nagpur facility also signals a broader shift toward technological upgrade and innovation. Singh noted private sector contributions such as the Nagastra drones and the Bhargavastra counter-drone system, which played a role in recent counter-terror operations.
These developments highlight that India is not only producing ammunition but also pushing forward in advanced defence technologies involving drones, electronics, and guided systems.
