AFTER a long interval of eight years, Ordnance Factory Khamaria (OFK) has received a significant boost with a fresh order for the production of an upgraded version of the L-70 anti-aircraft ammunition. The new production order proves the mettle of the oldest defence production units in the country and reinforcing its strategic relevance. Production of over 1.5 lakh rounds of the upgraded L-70 anti-aircraft ammunition is targeted to be streamlined within next 6 to 8 months. The placement of indent has prompted the factory to strengthen its resources and workforce to meet the high demand efficiently.

 

The upgraded state-of-the-art L-70 ammunition has been designed for a higher rate of fire. It is intended to enhance the effectiveness of L-70 anti-aircraft guns, which have served the Indian Armed Forces for decades and played a key role in anti-drone attack during ‘Operation Sindoor’. The new variant is believed to offer better precision, reliability and performance during operations. Production of the old version of the L-70 ammunition, which had one of the major portion of annual targets, was discontinued in 2017-18.

 

The new production order proves a major relief and recognition of the factory’s technical capability and manufacturing infrastructure. Sources within the factory confirmed that preparations are already underway to scale up operations, mobilise raw material and reactivate key production lines. The workforce, many of whom were engaged in maintenance and limited assignments, are now being re-deployed for full-scale production. This order not only reinforces OFK’s role in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem but also reflects the Government’s renewed commitment towards self-reliance in defence production. 

 

 

THE L-70 anti-aircraft artillery gun played a vital role in ‘Operation Sindoor’ in countering drone attacks. It remained a significant part of India’s layered air defence system and was crucial in neutralising the threat posed by Pakistani drones. The upgraded version of L-70 has enhanced capabilities like including radar, electro-optical sensors and auto-tracking for effectively targeting and destroying low-altitude aerial threats. The L-70 is an example of a legacy system that has been modernised with advanced technology to meet current and future threats.