Rajnath Sing at inauguration ceremony, Nagpur India. (19.01.2026)
Rajnath Singh – Solar Group Medium Caliber Ammunition Factory: Nagpur, 19 January 2026: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday inaugurated a Medium Calibre Ammunition Manufacturing Facility at Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited in Nagpur, Maharashtra, underscoring the government’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in ammunition manufacturing and positioning India as a global production hub in the defence sector.
Addressing the gathering, the Defence Minister said the government aims to increase the private sector’s share in defence manufacturing to 50 per cent or more in the near future. He emphasised that greater involvement of private industry in manufacturing and research and development has become the need of the hour in view of the changing character of modern warfare.
Recalling earlier challenges, Rajnath Singh said there was a time when ammunition shortages adversely impacted India’s defence preparedness, leading the government to recognise the importance of becoming self-reliant in this critical domain. He said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government remains firmly committed to achieving Aatmanirbharta in defence production.
The newly inaugurated facility is a fully automated plant manufacturing 30 mm ammunition, which is extensively used by the Indian Army and the Indian Navy. During his visit, the Defence Minister also toured the Pinaka rocket manufacturing facility and flagged off the first tranche of Guided Pinaka rockets being exported to Armenia.
READ: IDF inducts SIGMA 155 “Ro’em” howitzer, marking major leap in artillery capabilities
Rajnath flags off Pinaka Rocket for Armenia, from Solar Group’s plant in Nagpur, India.
READ: Rolls-Royce Unveils Ambitious Strategy to Make India a Key ‘Home Market’
Commending the contribution of the private sector in making the defence sector self-reliant, the Defence Minister said India is steadily advancing in ammunition production and is now delivering quality and reliable products. He referred to the induction of the Multi-Mode Hand Grenade, a fully indigenous ammunition developed by the private sector and handed over to the Indian Army in 2021. He also highlighted the successful operational use of Nagastra drones, manufactured by the Solar Group, during Operation Sindoor, stating that their accurate strikes on terrorist targets demonstrated their strategic capability. He expressed confidence that more advanced versions of Nagastra would prove even more effective in the future.
Rajnath Singh said the successful test launch of the ‘Bhargavastra’ Counter Drone System, developed by Solar Defence, showcased the technological capabilities of India’s private defence industry. He added that exports of Pinaka missiles from the facility have begun, reflecting the growing strength of India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. India, he said, is no longer merely an importer but is rapidly emerging as an exporter of defence equipment.
Describing Operation Sindoor as an example of the importance of self-reliance, the Defence Minister said the nature of warfare is becoming increasingly complex. Conflicts are no longer confined to borders and now extend to domains such as energy, trade, tariffs, supply chains, technology and information. In such a scenario, he said, a robust defence industrial base is essential, and increased private sector participation in manufacturing and research and development is critical.
Rajnath Singh at inauguration ceremony, Nagpur India. (19.01.2026)
READ: Germany to Expand Puma IFV Fleet with €4.2 Billion Order
The Defence Minister reiterated that the government is focused on ensuring the private sector’s role in defence manufacturing reaches 50 per cent or more. He said the government has decided to gradually indigenise platforms, systems and sub-systems, and even in cases where complete domestic manufacturing is not possible, a minimum of 50 per cent indigenous content has been mandated. These measures, he added, have significantly boosted the confidence and morale of private industry.
Highlighting the progress achieved through sustained efforts towards self-reliance, Rajnath Singh said domestic defence production, which stood at Rs 46,425 crore (approximately $5.1 billion) in 2014, has grown to about Rs 1.51 lakh crore (approximately $16.6 billion) today. Of this, over Rs 33,000 crore (approximately $3.6 billion) has come from the private sector, indicating its growing role in India’s defence manufacturing landscape. He added that defence exports, which were less than Rs 1,000 crore (approximately $110 million) a decade ago, have now reached a record Rs 24,000 crore (approximately $2.6 billion).
The Defence Minister said India’s greatest strength lies in its unique and effective blend of public and private sector capabilities within the defence manufacturing ecosystem. He called for deeper synergy between the two, stressing the need to continuously enhance private sector capabilities, provide access to new technologies and opportunities, and ensure both sectors move forward together for national benefit.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and representatives of Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited were present at the event.
