India opens largest private artillery shell factory in self-reliance push
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has unveiled India’s largest private-sector artillery shell factory in Shirdi. The new facility marks a major step in the country’s push for self-reliance in defence production. Singh called the project a 'golden chapter' for India’s military manufacturing ambitions. The Nibe Group’s Defence Manufacturing Complex and Artillery Shell Production Project was officially opened during a ceremony in Maharashtra. The plant, capable of producing nearly five lakh shells annually, represents an investment of nearly Rs 5,000 crore. It is also expected to create around 4,000 jobs in the region.
Singh highlighted the private sector’s expanding role in India’s defence industry. He stressed that future conflicts would depend more on technological edge and advanced weaponry than sheer troop numbers. His remarks echoed those of Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan, who warned that modern warfare would stretch beyond physical borders into cyberspace and data networks.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the state’s defence corridor was nearing completion. He pointed to India’s homegrown defence technologies, which have already proven effective in operations like Operation Sindoor. The developments align with India’s broader goal of becoming the world’s top defence exporter within the next two to three decades. The new Shirdi facility strengthens India’s defence manufacturing capabilities. With private-sector involvement growing, the country is moving closer to reducing reliance on imports. The project also supports job creation and positions Maharashtra as a key hub in the nation’s defence expansion.
