At the event, Singh also inaugurated SDAL’s Medium Caliber Ammunition Facility and inspected the rocket assembly lines, highlighting the private sector’s growing contribution to India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. “Private companies are playing a significant role in building Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence,” he said, emphasizing that increased domestic production is helping India reduce reliance on imports.
The Defence Minister underlined India’s ambition to become a global hub for ammunition production. He noted that earlier shortages had constrained the operational use of modern weapons systems, but this has changed with domestic production now meeting a wide range of ammunition requirements.
Pinaka export a major achievement
Singh described the Pinaka export as a “major achievement” for India’s defence industry, signaling the country’s capability to manufacture and supply advanced rocket systems internationally. “Several countries have expressed interest in acquiring the Pinaka system. Once all tests are complete, the Indian Armed Forces will also deploy it for national security,” he added.
He further stated that the government aims to increase the private sector’s share in defence production to 50%, reinforcing India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in meeting its defence needs.
The announcement comes shortly after the successful flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120) on December 30, 2025, conducted at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. During the test, the rocket reached its maximum range of 120 km, executed all planned in-flight maneuvers, and accurately struck the designated target. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) monitored all tracking systems during the test.
Industry experts say the Nagpur facility represents a growing private sector footprint in high-tech defence manufacturing, contributing to India’s dual objectives of domestic self-reliance and enhanced defence exports. Singh’s remarks underscore the government’s push to position India as a key player in global defence supply chains.
.jpg)
