Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visit Shirdi; will inaugurate ammunition factory
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Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has inaugurated a major ammunition manufacturing facility in Shirdi, Maharashtra, a critical stride in fortifying India’s indigenous defence production capabilities under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. Developed by a private entity with an investment of approximately Rs 1,000 crore, the facility spans 200 acres within the Savali Vihir Industrial Estate near Shirdi. This plant is poised to become one of the nation's largest private-sector artillery shell manufacturing units, boasting an annual production capacity of five lakh 155 mm artillery shells using entirely indigenous technology and materials. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presided over the ceremony, marking a significant push for strategic self-reliance. This inauguration underscores India's accelerated pivot towards defence indigenization and robust domestic manufacturing, strategically reducing reliance on foreign imports amid escalating global geopolitical volatilities. The facility is a cornerstone of the broader Shirdi Defence Manufacturing Complex, which will also produce rocket launchers, drones, and electronic testing systems. Furthermore, a parallel Rs 2,000 crore project in Belwandi will focus on high-grade explosives like TNT, RDX, and HMX, aiming for 20,000 tonnes annually. This concerted effort is expected to generate 4,000-5,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, providing substantial business to local MSMEs, thereby catalyzing regional economic growth and positioning Ahilyanagar district as a burgeoning defence manufacturing hub. The initiative aligns perfectly with the 'Make in India' and 'Make for the World' objectives, aiming to transform India into a global defence export powerhouse.