Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has stated that a nation capable of meeting its own needs is the one that moves forward with the utmost confidence to safeguard its interests. On June 19, alongside Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, he performed the bhoomi pujan (ground-breaking ceremony) for Yantra India Limited’s (YIL) state-of-the-art 10,000-tonne aluminium extrusion press at the Ordnance Factory in Ambajhari, Nagpur.
He remarked that this extrusion press symbolizes the nation’s shift towards the domestic production of critical defence equipment, moving away from reliance on imports. In the current global scenario, self-reliance in meeting security-related needs is paramount.
This new press will rank among the country’s most advanced facilities. It will be used to manufacture large and complex aluminium alloy profiles for defence systems, aerospace, aviation structures, missile programs, and the railway and transport sectors. This will reduce import dependency and strengthen the domestic supply chain.
Rajnath Singh noted that modern fighter aircraft, missiles, and space programs require metals that are both lightweight and exceptionally strong. Superior metal quality ensures effectiveness under all conditions.
He highlighted the significant role played by indigenously manufactured equipment in the success of ‘Operation Sindoor’. Consequently, boosting robust hardware manufacturing in the defence sector is essential to further enhance the armed forces’ strength.
The Defence Minister observed that while the nature of warfare is evolving and identifying the enemy is becoming increasingly difficult, the importance of conventional warfare and its associated assets remains as critical today as it was in 1947, and will continue to be so in 2047. Thus, the need for a robust military-industrial infrastructure will persist in the long run.
He stated that the government is working on four key pillars—technology, skilled human resources, knowledge, and faith in the nation—to realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). Citing defense production figures, he noted that India’s defense production has risen from ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to ₹1.78 lakh crore for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Defense exports have also surged from less than ₹1,000 crore in 2014 to a record level of ₹38,424 crore.
He stated that India is rapidly moving towards achieving—ahead of schedule—the targets set for the next 2-3 years: ₹3 lakh crore in defense production and ₹50,000 crore in defense exports.
Rajnath Singh mentioned that the corporatization of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) was undertaken in light of changing times and new technologies to make the entities stronger and more agile.
He pointed out that OFB’s production stood at ₹12,755 crore in 2019-20 (prior to corporatization) and has now risen to ₹26,282 crore for 2025-26.
In the defense export sector, the figure has increased from ₹81 crore to ₹4,561 crore, with YIL contributing ₹397 crore.
The Defence Minister remarked that in today’s competitive era, Research and Development (R&D) and capital investment are the most crucial elements for the advancement of any industrial unit.
He added that investment in modern machinery and new technologies accelerates the production process, improves quality, and makes the entire system more modern and effective.
Speaking on the occasion, Devendra Fadnavis stated that this aluminum extrusion press represents a significant step towards realizing the goal of a self-reliant and developed India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
He noted that the world is now recognizing the progress of India’s defense sector, and the country is emerging as a major exporter in the global defense market. Devendra Fadnavis described ‘Operation Sindoor’ as a magnificent example of ‘New India’s’ technological prowess and stated that this project would play a pivotal role in achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing for the entire region, including Nagpur.
