Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Friday, claimed that the annual domestic defence production has surged to an all-time high of Rs 1.78 lakh crore in the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26 and it is the result of the collective efforts of the Department of Defence Production (DDP) and all other stakeholders under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. Singh made this statement during the groundbreaking ceremony for the state-of-the-art 10,000 tonne capacity Aluminium Extrusion Press Project at the Yantra India Limited’s (YIL’s) Ordnance Factory Ambajhari campus in city. Addressing the gathering, the Defence Minister said that this surge is a huge jump as compared to 2014 which stood at Rs 46,000 crore. Singh also hailed the 10,000 tonne capacity Aluminium Extrusion Press Project as a symbol of India’s “transformational mindset” towards self-reliance.

 

He emphasised that the project reflects India’s shift from being an importer to a domestic manufacturer of critical infrastructure. Singh also added that the nation was exporting arms and equipment worth less than Rs 1,000 crore in 2014, which has now skyrocketed to an all-time high of Rs 38,424 crore. “A nation capable of meeting its own requirements moves forward with the greatest confidence towards safeguarding its interests,” he added. He asserted that the project symbolises a shift in the country’s approach from relying on imports to producing critical goods domestically. He described taking control of security-related necessities as imperative in the present geopolitical scenario to remain future-ready. The proposed press will be one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in the country. It will support the manufacture of large and complex aluminium alloy profiles required for defence systems and platforms, aerospace and aviation structures, missile programmes, railways and transportation sectors and other strategic industrial applications.

 

“When wars break out, the entire supply system gets impacted. So, in such a time, every country wants all necessities related to its security to remain in its own hands and be built by its own hands,” he added. Highlighting the significant role played by Made-in-India equipment in the success of ‘Operation Sindoor’, Singh stressed the need to increase the indigenous manufacturing of robust hardware to complement the bravery of defence forces personnel. Defence Minister added that today, while the nature of warfare is evolving and enemies are harder to detect, conventional warfare and its associated means remain just as relevant as they were in 1947, and will retain much of the same relevance in 2047 as well. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was the guest of honour of the programme and in his address, Fadnavis described the Aluminium Extrusion Press as a major step towards achieving the vision of Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and guidance of the Defence Minister.

 

He added that the world is recognising the growth of India’s defence sector, as the nation is positioning itself as an exporter in the international market due to the Central Government’s efforts. Fadnavis described ‘Operation Sindoor’ as a shining example of the technological prowess and unique capabilities of New India. He added that the growing collaboration between DPSUs and the private sector is taking the nation to greater heights. He expressed confidence that the Extrusion Press will help Nagpur and the entire region become an important player in achieving the goal of self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production); Dr Garima Bhagat, Joint Secretary, Department of Defence Production; Vijaykumar Iyer, Director (Operations) and CMD (Additional Charge), YIL and other senior officials of DDP and YIL; officers from the defence forces, and industry representatives were present on the occasion.