New Delhi: Union Defence Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh has approved the grant of ‘Miniratna’ Category-I status to the Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) Yantra India Limited (YIL). This recognition underscores the company’s remarkable transformation from a government organization into a profitable corporate entity within just four years.
The move reflects government confidence in YIL’s operational efficiency, financial performance, and potential to contribute significantly to India’s defence production capabilities.
Strong Financial Performance and Growth
Since its establishment following the splitting of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) on October 1, 2021, Yantra India Limited has shown exceptional growth:
- Sales rose from ₹956.32 crore in FY 2021-22 (H2) to ₹3,108.79 crore in FY 2024-25.
- Exports increased from zero in 2021-22 to ₹321.77 crore in FY 2024-25, reflecting strong international market penetration.
Miniratna Category-I Status: Autonomy and Opportunities
The ‘Miniratna’ (Category-I) status provides YIL’s board the authority to incur capital expenditure up to ₹500 crore on new projects or modernization initiatives without government approval.
This autonomy is expected to:
- Accelerate defence production and modernization
- Boost exports of critical defence products
Enhance the company’s ability to contribute to India’s strategic self-reliance in defence manufacturing
Key Products and Strategic Role
Yantra India Limited specializes in carbon fiber composites, artillery gun components, armored vehicle assemblies, and Main Battle Tanks (MBTs). Its role is crucial in strengthening indigenous capabilities under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) vision.
Government Initiatives and Broader Context
The government had earlier restructured the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board into seven DPSUs to increase functional autonomy and efficiency. Other DPSUs such as Munitions India Limited, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, and India Optel Limited were granted Miniratna status in May 2025.
The decision to award YIL with Miniratna Category-I status highlights the government’s commitment to fostering innovation, financial autonomy, and operational excellence in the defence sector, reinforcing India’s position as a global defence manufacturing hub.
About Yantra India Limited
Yantra India Limited was formed following the corporatisation of the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board into seven new defence public sector undertakings on October 1, 2021, aimed at improving efficiency, autonomy and innovation in defence manufacturing.
