Reliance Defence, a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure, has entered into a strategic partnership with Rheinmetall AG, a leading defense company based in Düsseldorf. This collaboration focuses on the supply of explosives and propellants for medium and large-caliber ammunition, as confirmed in a recent company statement.
Under the terms of the agreement, Reliance Defence will provide Rheinmetall with the necessary components, while both companies plan to engage in joint marketing efforts for select products. Additionally, they aim to explore and expand their partnership based on future opportunities in the defense sector.
To support the collaboration, Reliance Defence will establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the Watad Industrial Area in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. The facility, set to become one of the largest of its kind in South Asia, will have an annual production capacity of up to 200,000 artillery shells, 10,000 tons of explosives, and 2,000 tons of propellants. This investment is part of Reliance Defence’s strategy to position itself among the top three defense exporters in India.
This agreement marks the third significant partnership for Reliance Defence, following previous collaborations with Dassault Aviation and the Thales Group of France. The partnership also benefits Rheinmetall, securing critical raw material supply chains and creating new growth opportunities. The new facility in India is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s defense requirements and enhance the supply of key materials to the Indian Armed Forces. Furthermore, this manufacturing complex is set to play a vital role in supporting India’s goal to achieve ₹50,000 crore in defense exports by 2029.
Rheinmetall AG is a leading German technology group specializing in defense and automotive systems, with a strong presence in global security and mobility solutions. Headquartered in Düsseldorf, the company operates through two core segments: Defence and Power Systems (Automotive). Rheinmetall’s Defence division is a key supplier of military vehicles, weapons, ammunition, and advanced electronic systems to armed forces worldwide, playing a significant role in strengthening national defense capabilities. Its Automotive division, operating under the brand name Rheinmetall Power Systems, develops high-performance components for internal combustion engines and emerging technologies for electric mobility. With a history dating back to 1889, Rheinmetall combines innovation with industrial strength, focusing on sustainability, digitization, and security across its operations.
Reliance Defence, a key subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure, is a leading player in India’s defense sector, engaged in the development, manufacturing, and supply of a wide range of advanced defense technologies and solutions. The company focuses on providing high-quality, cost-effective defense equipment, including naval vessels, submarines, aircraft, and ammunition systems, catering to both domestic and international defense requirements. With a strong emphasis on innovation and technology, Reliance Defence has established partnerships with global defense giants and is committed to contributing significantly to India’s defense self-reliance. Through strategic collaborations and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, the company is poised to become a prominent exporter, aligning with the Indian government’s vision of achieving greater defense sector autonomy.
