Adani Defence & Aerospace, a division of the Adani Group, launched two massive facilities in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday, February 26, to produce ammunition and missiles, marking a significant step forward for the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" project in India's defense industry. The largest ammunition production complex in South Asia aims to significantly boost the country's defense industry's technical progress and self-reliance. The 500-acre complex was officially opened by Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The Kanpur site, spanning more than 500 acres, has the potential to grow into one of the most extensive integrated munitions manufacturing complexes. It will manufacture top-notch small, medium, and large caliber ammunition for the police, military, and paramilitary groups. According to a statement from the firm, the plant has begun supplying small caliber ammunition. 150 million rounds, or 25% of India's yearly need, were first produced.
CM Yogi praises the UP transformation- Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Yogi said that the building is evidence of the state's "transformation into an industrial powerhouse." This is a really proud moment. The facility is proof of Uttar Pradesh's development into a major industrial hub and our dedication to the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" plan of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor, which will be essential to creating a thriving defense ecosystem, has seen the highest investment from Adani Defence & Aerospace, he added.
"The fact that activities started within 18 months following land allocation is promising. When the missiles and ammunition made at these sites contribute to national security, it would be a proud occasion, the Chief Minister continued.
What was said on that occasion by the Army Chief?
Citing current geopolitical developments, Army Chief General Manoj Pande emphasized the need of having a "reliable supply from internal sources for ammunition in preparedness for a long-drawn conflict."
Users now feel more confident in their ability to rely on Indian private industry for essential military supplies due to Adani Defence & Aerospace's readiness to indigenize critical technology and its substantial investments. The General stated, "This complex marks a significant turning point in India's path towards defense sector self-reliance.
The Adani Group's defense subsidiary, Adani Defence & Aerospace, is committed to creating and providing capabilities in the unmanned vehicle arena as well as in the areas of cyber defense, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance technology, and drone counterattacks.
The CEO of Adani Defence & Aerospace, Ashish Rajvanshi, stated that the construction of the facilities demonstrates the nation's efforts to become self-sufficient.
Its influence goes well beyond the defense industry, with a planned investment of more than Rs. 3,000 crores. More than 4,000 employment will be generated, with a five-fold multiplier effect on MSMEs and indirect benefits to the local environment. He declared, "We are dedicated to making sure that our initiatives are inclusive and long-lasting, promoting development while protecting the environment for future generations.
According to the firm, the munitions complex began operations less than two years after the Adani Group announced it during the Uttar Pradesh Investors' Summit in 2022.