New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said India is on track to achieve its targets of Rs 3 lakh crore in defence production and Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports ahead of schedule, citing the rapid growth of the country’s indigenous defence manufacturing sector.
Speaking at the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony for a 10,000-tonne Aluminium Extrusion Press at Ordnance Factory Ambajhari in Nagpur, Singh said India’s defence production has increased from Rs 46,000 crore in 2014 to a record Rs 1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26. Defence exports have also surged from less than Rs 1,000 crore in 2014 to an all-time high of Rs 38,424 crore.
“We are poised to achieve the targets we have set for the next two to three years ahead of schedule,” Singh said.
The proposed 10,000-tonne Aluminium Extrusion Press will be developed at a unit of Yantra India Limited, according to an official statement.
It is expected to be one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in the country and will manufacture large and complex aluminium alloy profiles used in defence platforms, aerospace structures, missile programmes, railways, and other strategic sectors.
According to the defence minister, the project will reduce dependence on imported aluminium extrusions and strengthen India’s domestic supply chain for critical manufacturing requirements.
Singh further said modern fighter aircraft, missiles, and advanced space programmes require lightweight yet high-strength metals capable of withstanding extreme conditions. He described the new facility as a key step towards meeting those requirements through indigenous production.
Highlighting the role of domestically manufactured equipment in the success of Operation Sindoor, he stressed the need to further strengthen India’s defence industrial base and expand local manufacturing capabilities.
Singh also underlined the importance of research and development as well as capital investment in modern machinery. He said advanced manufacturing technologies improve efficiency, quality, and competitiveness, helping public sector enterprises meet future requirements.
Referring to the corporatisation of the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board, Singh said the move has helped improve operational efficiency and innovation. Production by the former OFB units has increased from Rs 12,755 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 26,282 crore in 2025-26, while defence exports have risen from Rs 81 crore before corporatisation to Rs 4,561 crore. YIL alone contributed Rs 397 crore to exports.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who attended the event, described the Aluminium Extrusion Press project as an important step towards achieving the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and strengthening India’s position as a defence exporter.
Senior officials from the Department of Defence Production, Yantra India Limited, the armed forces, and industry were present on the occasion.
