Adani Defence to Build South Asia’s Largest Missile Facility

Adani Defence has announced a ₹2,500 crore investment to establish a missile manufacturing hub in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh. The facility is being positioned as South Asia’s largest private-sector missile ecosystem, integrating the entire value chain from raw materials to mission-ready missile systems. It is expected to generate around 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, while also strengthening India’s defence self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The hub will produce medium- and long-range missile systems and manufacture critical inputs such as composite propellants, TNT, and explosive-grade materials. By supporting over 50 MSMEs, the project aims to create a specialised defence supply chain. Strategically located near the Gwalior defence cluster, it complements Adani’s existing facilities in Kanpur, Hyderabad, and Gwalior.

This development carries national significance by reducing dependence on imported missile systems and accelerating the induction of indigenous technologies into the armed forces. Regionally, it positions Shivpuri–Guna as a defence hub, contributing to industrial growth in Madhya Pradesh.The project also comes with challenges, including execution timelines, infrastructure requirements, and geopolitical sensitivities. Its success will depend on effective collaboration with MSMEs and alignment with DRDO programmes.

The project also comes with challenges, including execution timelines, infrastructure requirements, and geopolitical sensitivities. Its success will depend on effective collaboration with MSMEs and alignment with DRDO programmes.

The investment comes at a pivotal stage in India's indigenous missile journey. Following successful Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) trials conducted in partnership with Adani Defence & Aerospace, several next-generation missile systems are moving towards production, including the Next Generation Anti-Radiation Missile (NGARM), RUDRAM-II, Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Short Range (NASM-SR), Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB 'Gaurav') and the Tactical Autonomous Reconnaissance and Attack (TARA) system.

Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Dr Mohan Yadav said, “This landmark investment reinforces the state’s emergence as a preferred destination for strategic manufacturing. It will strengthen India's indigenous defence ecosystem while accelerating industrial growth and attracting more high-value investments to the state.”

Mr Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Defence & Aerospace, said: “Today marks the beginning of something truly significant. This project brings together missile system integration with the production of the materials needed to build advanced missile systems, all at one location, creating South Asia's largest private-sector missile ecosystem. We are proud to bring this sovereign capability to Madhya Pradesh, strengthening India's defence preparedness and contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat."

India's Defence Export Reaches 80+ Countries

India’s defence exports have reached a record ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025–26, supplying equipment to more than 80 countries worldwide — a nearly threefold increase in five years, reflecting the success of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat push and India’s emergence as a credible global defence supplier.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's transformation in the defence sector during the Tri Commissioning ceremony of INS Agray, INS Dunagiri and INS Sanshodhak. He noted that defence production has grown from around ₹40,000 crore in 2014 to nearly ₹1.8 lakh crore today, while defence exports have surged from about ₹700 crore to nearly ₹40,000 crore, reflecting India's growing self-reliance and global presence.

India’s Expanding Defence Export Footprint

• Export value: ₹38,424 crore ($4.6 billion approx.) in FY 2025–26, up 62.66% from ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024–25.
• Global reach: Defence products exported to 80+ countries, including the US, France, Armenia, and Southeast Asian nations.
• Sectoral contribution: DPSUs contributed 54.84% (₹21,071 crore), while private firms accounted for 45.16% (₹17,353 crore).
• Export authorisations: 1,762 authorisations issued in FY 2024–25, up 16.92% from the previous year.

Drivers of Growth

• Policy reforms: Simplified licensing, removal of components from license regime, extended validity periods, and streamlined SOPs for export authorisation.
• Private sector rise: MSMEs and start-ups are increasingly integrated into the supply chain, contributing nearly half of exports.
• Indigenisation: Defence production has grown from ₹40,000 crore in 2014 to nearly ₹1.8 lakh crore today, reducing import dependence.
• Government targets: India aims to achieve ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.

Comparative Growth Table

Fiscal Year	Export Value (₹ crore)	Countries Reached	Key Contributors
2014–15	~700	<20 td="">	DPSUs dominant
2020–21	~12,000	~50	Private sector rising
2024–25	23,622	~80	DPSUs ₹8,389 cr, Private ₹15,233 cr
2025–26	38,424	80+	DPSUs ₹21,071 cr, Private ₹17,353 cr

Risks & Challenges

• Technology obsolescence: Rapid innovation needed to stay competitive.
• Global competition: India must match quality standards of established exporters.
• Supply chain resilience: Dependence on critical raw materials like rare earths remains a vulnerability.

Strategic Implications

• India is transitioning from a net importer to a global exporter, strengthening its strategic autonomy.
• Exporting to 80+ countries enhances India’s geopolitical influence and positions it as a responsible defence supplier.
• The commissioning of INS Agray, INS Dunagiri, and INS Sanshodhak reflects India’s growing naval capability and industrial strength.

Rajnath Singh Inaugurates DRDO’s Advanced Weapon System Complex, Launches Mission Sudarshan Chakra for Multi‑Level Missile Defence

Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated an Advanced Weapon System Complex at the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), part of the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad. The inauguration marked a significant milestone in India’s defence R&D ecosystem, underscoring the nation’s commitment to technological excellence, strategic autonomy, and national security.

Strategic Significance of the Inauguration

• The new complex strengthens India’s indigenous missile development capabilities, enabling faster transitions from research to production.
• Shri Rajnath Singh praised DRDO’s Missile Systems & Strategic Systems Cluster for its pivotal contributions, noting that indigenous systems like Akash and BrahMos have proven India’s ability to compete globally.
• He emphasized that “strength is essential for peace, and self-reliance is the most reliable foundation for that strength.”

Operation Sindoor: Proof of Indigenous Excellence

• Indigenous missile systems performed exceptionally during Operation Sindoor, demonstrating India’s growing defence capabilities.
• Air defence played a decisive role, thwarting aerial threats and ensuring national security.

Mission Sudarshan Chakra: India’s Multi-Level Missile Defence

• Announced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his 2025 Independence Day address, Mission Sudarshan Chakra aims to establish a three-layered missile defence system.
• The system will protect military installations, civil infrastructure, and critical assets, ensuring minimal inconvenience to citizens while providing robust national security.
• Rajnath Singh asserted that the system will deliver a “decisive punch whenever needed,” symbolizing India’s resolve to safeguard its sovereignty.

Building Resilience and Deterrence

• Resilience: absorbing shocks and bouncing back.
• Deterrence: instilling fear in aggressors.
• Modern warfare is being redefined by precision-strike capabilities, hypersonic weapons, autonomous platforms, AI, electronic warfare, and advanced sensors.
• India must remain alert, capable, and self-reliant in this evolving global order.

DRDO’s Role in Future Warfare

• DRDO has achieved numerous milestones in indigenous missile technologies, with successful tests of advanced systems and continuous progress in strategic and tactical programmes.
• Rajnath Singh urged DRDO to integrate production as part of development, reduce timelines, simplify manufacturing, and increase indigenous content.
• He called for an integrated ecosystem involving DRDO, the Services, industry, start-ups, MSMEs, and academia to accelerate innovation-to-production cycles.

Towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence

• Over the past 12 years, the Government has taken measures to promote R&D under the vision of ‘Make-in-India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
• Enhanced collaboration across DRDO labs, Defence PSUs, private industry, and academia has transformed India’s defence ecosystem.
• Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that DRDO will continue to strengthen national capabilities, reduce technological dependence, and enhance operational effectiveness.

Exhibition of Cutting-Edge Technologies

• Raksha Mantri explored a technical exhibition showcasing advanced weapon systems, indigenous missile platforms, and futuristic defence technologies developed by DRDO.
• Senior officials including DG (Missile & Strategic Systems) Shri U Raja Babu and DRDL Director Dr Ankathi Raju were present.

This inauguration is not just a technological milestone but a symbol of India’s resolve to remain resilient, self-reliant, and strategically prepared in an era of rapidly evolving warfare.

Adani’s ₹2,500 Cr Defence Plant Marks India’s Leap Toward Self-Reliance

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has announced a ₹2,500 crore Adani Group defence manufacturing plant in Kolaras, Madhya Pradesh. The facility will be set up within two months and is expected to generate around 2,000 direct jobs while strengthening India’s defence production capabilities.

Key Details of the Defence Plant

• Location: Kolaras, about 70 km from Shivpuri, at the junction of Kota Highway and Mumbai–Gwalior Highway
• Investment Size: ₹2,500 crore by the Adani Group
• Timeline: Construction to begin within two months
• Jobs Created: Approximately 2,000 direct jobs
• Purpose: Manufacturing defence equipment to protect India’s borders and reduce reliance on imports

Strategic Significance

• Boost to Defence Manufacturing: Strengthens India’s push for self-reliance in defence production under Atmanirbhar Bharat
• Regional Development: Kolaras, traditionally known for agriculture and tomato production, will now emerge as a defence industry hub
• Industrial Growth: Addresses the long-pending demand for industrial development in the Shivpuri–Kolaras region

Impact Overview

Factor	Details
Investment	₹2,500 crore
Jobs	~2,000 direct jobs
Location Advantage	Junction of Kota & Mumbai–Gwalior Highways
Sector	Defence arms manufacturing
Regional Impact	Industrial growth in Kolaras, diversification beyond agriculture
National Impact	Strengthens border security, supports defence self-reliance

Risks & Considerations

• Execution Timeline: Large-scale defence projects often face delays in commissioning
• Local Infrastructure: Adequate power, logistics, and skilled workforce will be critical for smooth operations
• Geopolitical Sensitivity: Defence manufacturing hubs may attract strategic scrutiny and require strong security measures

Takeaway

This announcement marks a major milestone for Madhya Pradesh’s industrial landscape and India’s defence sector. For local communities, it promises job creation and economic diversification, while nationally it reinforces India’s defence self-reliance strategy.

SAIL Supplies 4,000 Tonnes of Indigenous Steel for INS Taragiri, Strengthening India’s Defence Manufacturing

INS Taragiri, the fourth Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) stealth frigate, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on April 3, 2026, at Visakhapatnam. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and powered by 4,000 tonnes of indigenous steel from Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), the warship marks a major milestone in India’s defence indigenisation and maritime self-reliance.

The Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) frigates are India’s latest generation of indigenous stealth warships, designed as versatile multi-mission platforms with advanced stealth, automation, and firepower. They represent a major leap in self-reliant naval shipbuilding under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.  

Key Highlights of INS Taragiri Commissioning

⚓️ Legacy. Power. Purpose.

From steel to sea, #Taragiri stands ready.#IndianNavy is set to commission #INSTaragiri.

🗓️ 03 April 2026
📍 Visakhapatnam
A testament to strength, precision & #Aatmanirbharta.#RiseAbove @indiannavy @IN_HQENC @IN_WNC @IN_HQSNC pic.twitter.com/DhRO1pzLT7

— IN (@IndiannavyMedia) April 1, 2026

• Commissioning Date & Venue: April 3, 2026, Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam
• Presiding Dignitary: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the ceremony
• Shipbuilder: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai
• Class & Project: Fourth vessel of the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A)
• Displacement: Approx. 6,670 tonnes
• Steel Supply: 4,000 tonnes of special-grade steel supplied by SAIL

Role of SAIL in Defence Indigenisation

SAIL has been a consistent contributor to the Indian Navy, supplying thousands of tonnes of indigenous, special‑grade steel for key warships like INS Taragiri (2026), INS Arnala (2025), and INS Androth (2025). These supplies have enabled India to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen defence self‑reliance.  

• Supplied DMR 249A grade hot-rolled sheets and plates
• Earlier contributions include INS Vikrant, INS Nilgiri, INS Himgiri, INS Udaygiri
• Reinforces Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India

Project 17A – India’s Stealth Frigate Program

• Total of seven frigates under construction at MDL and GRSE
• Successor to Shivalik-class with enhanced stealth and automation
• INS Taragiri named after the erstwhile Leander-class frigate (1980–2013)

Ships in the Class

1. INS Nilgiri – Lead ship, launched 2019, commissioned 2025.
2. INS Himgiri – Delivered July 2025 (GRSE). 
3. INS Udaygiri – Commissioned 2025. 
4. INS Taragiri – Commissioned April 3, 2026 (MDL). 
5. INS Dunagiri – Delivered March 30, 2026 (GRSE). 
6. INS Vindhyagiri – Launched August 2023.  
7. INS Mahendragiri – Under construction.  

Strategic Significance

• Strengthens India’s ability to safeguard its 11,000 km coastline
• Demonstrates domestic capacity to design and build complex warships
• Showcases collaboration between MDL and SAIL

Below is a comparison table between the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) and its predecessor, the Shivalik-class (Project 17) frigates. This highlights the technological leap India has made in stealth warship design:

Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) Vs Shivalik-class (Project 17)

The Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) frigates represent India’s latest generation of indigenous stealth warships, building on the foundation of the Shivalik-class (Project 17).

Key Features of Nilgiri-class (Project 17A)

• Advanced stealth shaping, infrared suppression, and acoustic quieting
• Displacement of ~6,670 tonnes
• High automation with reduced crew workload
• 75% indigenous content including SAIL steel
• Equipped with BrahMos missiles, Barak-8 SAM, and advanced CIWS

Comparison Table

Feature	Shivalik-class (Project 17)	Nilgiri-class (Project 17A)
Commissioning Period	2010–2012	2025–2026 (ongoing)
Number of Ships	3 (INS Shivalik, INS Satpura, INS Sahyadri)	7 planned (INS Nilgiri, Himgiri, Udaygiri, Taragiri, Dunagiri, Vindhyagiri, Mahendragiri)
Displacement	~6,200 tonnes	~6,670 tonnes
Length	~142 meters	~149 meters
Beam	~16.9 meters	~17.8 meters
Propulsion	CODOG (LM2500 gas turbines + Pielstick diesels)	CODOG (LM2500 gas turbines + MAN diesels)
Speed	~30 knots	~32 knots
Range	~5,000 nautical miles	~2,500 nautical miles
Stealth Features	Basic radar signature reduction	Advanced stealth shaping, infrared suppression, acoustic quieting
Weapons	Klub missiles, Barak-1 SAM, AK-630 CIWS	BrahMos missiles, Barak-8 SAM, advanced CIWS
Automation	Moderate digital integration	High automation, reduced crew workload
Indigenous Content	~60%	~75% (including SAIL steel)
Shipbuilders	MDL (Mumbai)	MDL (Mumbai) & GRSE (Kolkata)

Key Takeaway

• Shivalik-class was India’s first indigenous stealth frigate program
• Nilgiri-class builds on that foundation with greater stealth, automation, and indigenous content
• Represents one of the most capable frigate classes in Asia

The Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) frigates are central to India’s naval modernization, combining indigenous design, advanced weapons, and strategic self-reliance.

The commissioning of INS Taragiri is not just a naval milestone but a symbol of India’s growing industrial and defence ecosystem. With SAIL’s indigenous steel at its core, the frigate embodies the nation’s push toward Atmanirbhar Bharat, ensuring that India’s maritime strength is forged at home.

And, SAIL’s contributions — from 4,000 tonnes for INS Taragiri to entire steel requirements for INS Arnala and INS Androth — highlight its pivotal role in India’s naval modernization. By supplying indigenous, special‑grade steel, SAIL strengthens both the Indian Navy’s fleet and India’s strategic goal of defence self‑reliance.  

India’s Defense Breakthrough: No More Imported Fighter Jets!

India's push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing is expected to make its fighter jets more attractive to nations looking for cost-effective alternatives to Western and Russian aircraft.

Modi led government of India is positioning itself as a potential exporter of fighter jets, particularly the indigenous LCA Tejas. Several countries have expressed interest in acquiring Indian-made aircraft

The Argentine Air Force has shown interest in the Tejas as a replacement for its aging fleet. Reports suggest that Egypt too is considering various fighter jets, including India's Tejas, as part of its modernization efforts. Indonesia has explored options for acquiring Tejas to strengthen its air defense capabilities. Besides, the Philippines could also be a potential buyer given its growing defense cooperation with India. 

Kota Harinarayana, the former program director and chief designer of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, has expressed confidence that India will soon achieve self-reliance in fighter jet production and begin exporting them. 

Prototype of 4.5 Gen of Tejas MK 2

Harinarayana highlighted the progress made in developing a full ecosystem for indigenous aircraft manufacturing, noting that India has already built jets across various categories, including small, medium-sized, and unmanned aerial systems. He believes that in the coming years, India will not only meet its own Air Force's needs but also supply fighter jets to friendly nations.

Notably, the Kaveri Engine is also India's indigenous turbofan engine developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) under DRDO. While it was originally intended to power the LCA Tejas, it has faced challenges in meeting operational requirements, particularly in thrust output and efficiency.

Kaveri Engine

Unlike the Tejas fighter jet, which is now being considered for export, the Kaveri engine has not yet reached a stage where it can be widely deployed or exported. However, there are discussions about transferring its Technology of Transfer (ToT) to India's private sector to accelerate development and potentially create larger variants.

Recent advancements in the DRY Kaveri engine suggest that India is making progress in refining its performance, with testing scheduled for integration into Tejas prototypes. If successful, it could eventually become a viable alternative to foreign engines like the GE F404 and GE F414, reducing India's dependence on imports.

While the Kaveri engine is not yet an export-ready product, its development remains crucial for India's long-term aerospace ambitions. If India can overcome technical hurdles, it could eventually be positioned alongside Tejas as part of India's defense exports.

Meanwhile, the increased deployment of Tejas by the Indian Air Force has demonstrated the viability of India's defense manufacturing sector. Harinarayana also pointed to recent advancements, such as the successful trial of 'Bhargavastra,' an indigenous counter-drone system, as evidence of India's growing tactical capabilities.

This marks a significant milestone in India's journey toward defense self-sufficiency, reducing reliance on imports from countries like Russia and France. If this trajectory continues, India could emerge as a key player in the global fighter jet market.