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Adani Defence and Aerospace is rapidly scaling up its small arms and ammunition capabilities, aiming to become a global player while meeting a substantial share of India’s domestic requirements by the end of the decade. With its state-of-the-art facility already exporting NATO-grade ammunition, the company is positioning itself as a cornerstone of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision.
Operational since April 2024, Adani’s ammunition manufacturing complex has transitioned from the commissioning phase to exporting in record time. By June 2024, just two months after the facility became fully operational, the company began shipping NATO-standard rounds, specifically 7.62×51 mm and 5.56×45 mm, to international clients. Officials take pride in this significant achievement.
Although client details remain confidential under non-disclosure agreements, Adani confirmed that exports are now a key revenue driver, with a target of 25% of overall turnover coming from overseas markets by 2030.
Company officials told BharatShakti that the production line is nearly 100% indigenous, covering everything from brass strip processing to case manufacturing and final assembly.
“We start from the brass strip. The cup, the case, the bullet, everything is made in-house. The only component currently imported is the primer, which we plan to indigenise within the next two years fully,” a senior executive said during a Kanpur facility walkthrough arranged for this correspondent.
By 2027, the company expects to achieve full self-reliance for small- and medium-caliber ammunition, eliminating any dependence on foreign components.
Adani Defence also claims a 99.45% quality acceptance rate over the past 15 months, a metric the company attributes to stringent quality control and advanced testing infrastructure.
“Our goal is not just volume, but trust. Every round must be performed with absolute consistency. The frontline soldier should never have to think twice before pulling the trigger,” the executive emphasised.
The Kanpur facility currently spans 500 acres, with an additional 250 acres earmarked for future expansion. The company’s ambition is bold: to meet up to 90–100% of India’s small, medium, and large-caliber ammunition needs by 2030, provided procurement pipelines align and demand forecasts remain stable.
In parallel, Adani is working on localising propellant production to reduce reliance on imports and public-sector suppliers, such as Munitions India Limited (MIL).
Despite being located near traditional ordnance manufacturing hubs, Adani Defence insists it is not seeking to displace public-sector players.
“There’s more than enough demand. Our focus is not to compete, but to complement and to raise the bar,” the executive said.
Adani’s aggressive entry into the small arms and ammunition segment reflects a larger shift in India’s defence ecosystem, where private sector players are beginning to share space with public-sector giants. Government reforms, a push for indigenous capability, and export-driven strategies are all converging to make India a credible global defence supplier.
Huma Siddiqui
