CM Devendra Fadnavis says Nagpur will emerge as a major defence manufacturing hub

Nagpur: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said India must strengthen control over critical defence requirements to remain prepared for future security challenges, stressing that self-reliance in defence manufacturing is essential for national preparedness.

Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the state-of-the-art 10,000-ton capacity Aluminium Extrusion Press Project at Ambazari Ordnance Factory under Yantra India Limited in Nagpur, Singh said the project will play a crucial role in reducing import dependency and advancing India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attended the event as a special guest. Senior officials including Secretary, Department of Defence Production Sanjeev Kumar, Joint Secretary Garima Bhagat, Yantra India Limited CMD Vijay Kumar Iyer, and senior defence officials were also present.

Aluminium Extrusion Press to Strengthen India’s Defence Manufacturing

Addressing the gathering, Rajnath Singh said the project marks a significant step towards expanding domestic manufacturing capability instead of relying on imports.

He stated that the advanced facility will support the production of high-grade aluminium alloy components required in defence systems, aerospace, aircraft manufacturing, missile programmes, railways, and other strategic sectors.

According to Singh, the project will enable India to manufacture large and complex aluminium alloy structures domestically, reducing dependence on imported critical components while strengthening the country’s strategic supply chain.

Critical for Fighter Aircraft, Missiles and Space Programmes

The Defence Minister highlighted that modern fighter aircraft, missile systems, and space missions require lightweight, high-strength metals capable of withstanding extreme conditions, produced through specialised industrial processes.

He described the aluminium extrusion press as an important addition to India’s defence production ecosystem and said that the success of Operation Sindoor demonstrated the importance of defence equipment developed within the country.

“Large defence systems derive their true strength from thousands of small and large components. The Aluminium Extrusion Press project will accelerate India’s journey towards self-reliance in this critical sector,” Singh said.

India’s Defence Production Reaches Record Levels

Reviewing India’s progress in defence manufacturing, Rajnath Singh said domestic defence production has grown significantly over the past decade.

• Defence production stood at approximately ₹46,000 crore in 2014
• It reached a record ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025–26
• Defence exports increased from around ₹1,000 crore in 2014 to ₹38,424 crore

He expressed confidence that India would achieve its targets of ₹3 lakh crore in defence production and ₹50,000 crore in defence exports ahead of schedule within the next two to three years.

Nagpur to Become Major Defence Production Centre: Devendra Fadnavis

Speaking at the event, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the project represents an important milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a self-reliant and developed nation.

He said India’s growing capabilities in defence manufacturing are gaining global recognition and government policies are helping position the country as a leading defence exporter.

“With this advanced project, Nagpur and the Vidarbha region will emerge as important centres for defence production. The Nagpur region is becoming a key part of India’s growing defence manufacturing ecosystem,” Fadnavis said.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Essential for Developed India

Fadnavis said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat are closely linked, adding that a developed India cannot be achieved without becoming self-reliant.

He noted that India’s rapid advancement in defence manufacturing has surprised the world and said recent defence operations have showcased the country’s strategic strength.

“This is a new India that stands with full capability and self-reliance,” Fadnavis said.

The programme began with a welcome address by Yantra India Limited CMD Vijay Kumar Iyer. An audio-visual presentation on the Aluminium Extrusion Press project was screened during the event, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Ambazari Ordnance Factory Executive Director Ajaykumar Yerpude.