India took another significant step towards strengthening its indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art 10,000-ton aluminium extrusion press at Ordnance Factory Ambajhari in Nagpur. The facility, being established by Yantra India Limited (YIL), is expected to play a critical role in supporting the country’s strategic manufacturing requirements across defence, aerospace, transportation, and other high-technology sectors.
The ceremony was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, representatives from Yantra India Limited, industry leaders, and members of the armed forces. Speaking on the occasion, Rajnath Singh highlighted the importance of self-reliance in critical sectors and emphasized that nations capable of meeting their own strategic requirements are better positioned to safeguard their interests and pursue long-term growth. He described the new facility as a major step in reducing dependence on imported materials and building a stronger domestic industrial base.
The upcoming aluminium extrusion press will be among the most advanced facilities of its kind in India. It will manufacture large and complex aluminium alloy profiles used in fighter aircraft, missile systems, defence platforms, aerospace structures, railway applications, and other strategic industries. The project is expected to strengthen domestic supply chains while supporting future requirements of critical national programmes.
The Defence Minister noted that modern military systems increasingly require lightweight, high-strength materials capable of performing under extreme operating conditions. Advanced aluminium components produced through specialized manufacturing processes are becoming essential for next-generation defence and aerospace platforms. He stated that the new facility would contribute significantly to building indigenous capabilities in this crucial area.
Rajnath Singh also referred to the growing role of domestically developed equipment in strengthening India’s defence preparedness. He stressed that technological self-sufficiency, combined with the dedication of the armed forces, remains central to national security.
Highlighting the progress made under the government’s self-reliance initiatives, he pointed out that India’s defence production has grown substantially over the past decade, reaching record levels during the last financial year. Defence exports have also witnessed remarkable growth, reflecting the increasing global acceptance of Indian-made defence equipment and technologies.
The Defence Minister praised Yantra India Limited for contributing to this transformation. He noted that the corporatisation of the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board was undertaken to enhance operational flexibility, improve competitiveness, and encourage innovation. Since then, the newly formed defence public sector companies have recorded significant growth in production and exports.
The aluminium extrusion project is expected to support India’s long-term objective of becoming a global manufacturing hub for advanced defence and industrial technologies while strengthening the foundation of an increasingly self-reliant and technology-driven defence ecosystem.
