- Wednesday, May 15, 2024
The unveiling of two expansive production facilities in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh marks a strategic move in this direction.
By: Shubham Ghosh
THE defence arm of Indian billionaire Gautam Adani’s group has announced intentions to invest over Rs 30 billion (£285.5 million) in the production of ammunition and missiles.
The news of the significant investment, the news of which was confirmed by the conglomerate’s defence arm on Monday (26), underscores its aspirations in the defence sector.
The unveiling of two expansive production facilities by the defence unit in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh marks a strategic move in this direction. It also signifies Adani’s group’s entry into a sector traditionally dominated by government-owned entities, showcasing their commitment to diversification and expansion.
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Adani Defence & Aerospace will manufacture a “full spectrum of ammunition” for India’s armed forces, paramilitary forces and police at the facilities spread over 500 acres, creating more than 4,000 jobs, it said in a press release.
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The company has initiated the production of small caliber ammunition at the facility, with an initial rollout of 150 million rounds. The quantity is estimated to fulfil 25 per cent of India’s annual demand. Additionally, the complex will accommodate facilities for handling explosives used in missiles and precision-guided munitions.
“Recent geopolitical events have reemphasized the need for a reliable supply from internal sources for ammunition in preparedness for a long-drawn conflict,” India’s chief of army staff Manoj Pande said in the statement.
Adani announced the setting up of the facilities in 2022 at the Uttar Pradesh Investors’ Summit.
India, which is the globe’s largest importer of arms, has been trying to boost its nascent defence manufacturing industry.
Adani also has a drone-manufacturing facility in partnership with Israel’s Elbit Systems in the southern state of Telangana, where it manufactures the Hermes 900 drones for the militaries of the both nations.
(With Reuters inputs)
