Adani Defence & Aerospace is set to invest over Rs 3,000 crore in its new ammunition and missiles complexes in Kanpur by 2027. The inaugurated complex, expected to become the largest ammunition manufacturing facility in South Asia, has commenced operations with an initial investment of Rs 1,500 crore.
Adani Defence & Aerospace, a subsidiary of the Adani Group, is a key player in India’s defence and aerospace industry. Established with a vision to contribute to the nation’s security and self-reliance, the company focuses on manufacturing and delivering cutting-edge defence and aerospace solutions.
With a commitment to innovation, quality, and technological advancement, Adani Defence & Aerospace aims to strengthen India’s defence capabilities and emerge as a global leader in the sector. The company’s diverse portfolio includes products and services ranging from aircraft manufacturing to defence electronics and infrastructure development.
It is projected to generate approximately 4,000 direct jobs, with an additional 20,000 jobs expected to be created indirectly among micro, small, and medium enterprises as well as local companies. Spanning 500 acres, the facilities will produce a quarter of India’s annual ammunition requirement in the first year alone, amounting to 150 million rounds of small calibre ammunition.
Subsequently, the focus will shift to manufacturing large calibre ammunition, with an annual output estimated at 150,000-200,000 rounds from the Kanpur complex within the next 12 months. The third phase will involve medium calibre ammunition and is slated for completion by 2026.
“We are simultaneously developing missiles, with some of the work taking place in Hyderabad and the rest in Kanpur,” stated Ashish Rajvanshi, the Chief Executive Officer. This investment marks the largest in the Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor. Rajvanshi emphasized that Adani Defence is investing in its capacity without waiting for orders, citing confidence in the quality and cost-effectiveness of their products.
“Unlike my peers and competitors over the past 40 years, who waited for contracts before investing, we’ve grown rapidly by investing upfront,” explained Rajvanshi. “When the Chief of Army visited, his first question was about our order status. I told him that our facility is built on trust – we believe that by producing competitive, high-quality, and safe ammunition, you will choose us.”
The complex was inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, with Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande also present. Rajvanshi stated that Adani Defence has primarily used equity funding for its expenditures and intends to continue this approach. The inauguration of the complex comes as India seeks to enhance its self-reliance in the defence sector.
Rajvanshi highlighted that recent global geopolitical conflicts have underscored the unpredictability of such events and the importance of India meeting its own defence needs without depending on others. India, a major arms importer, faced challenges following Russia’s reduced ability to supply arms after its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russia is India’s largest arms supplier.
Although there is significant export potential in the defence sector, which could strengthen bilateral relations, Rajvanshi emphasized that Adani Defence is currently focused on the domestic market. He explained that meeting the country’s needs is a priority, as the international market is competitive and readily available. Rajvanshi stressed the importance of serving the Indian market before considering overseas deployments.
