This ambitious vision—not just achieving self-reliance but also becoming a leading global supplier—is being driven by three major companies at the forefront of India's defence manufacturing sector. Their efforts will not only strengthen India's military capabilities but also enhance its standing in the international defence market.
With increasing production capacity and rising export potential, India is steadily transforming into a hub for high-calibre artillery ammunition, reinforcing its role in the global defence supply chain.
155mm artillery shell manufacturers in india - MIL,KSSL & Adani Defence
Munitions India Limited (MIL): Powering India's Artillery Munitions
India’s defence manufacturing sector has undergone a significant transformation with the restructuring of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) into independent entities. Among these, Munitions India Limited (MIL) has emerged as a key player in ammunition production, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality munitions to the Indian Armed Forces.
MIL, one of the seven new defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) created from the OFB in 2021, specialises in the production of ammunition and explosives. With a focus on enhancing self-reliance and efficiency, MIL plays a crucial role in India’s defence ecosystem.
MIL is engaged in the production of 105mm, 130mm, and 155mm artillery shells. Its annual production capacity includes 200,000 rounds of 155mm artillery shells and 300,000 rounds of other calibres, provided its workforce functions at full efficiency and maximises output of the available machinery. This capability significantly strengthens India’s ability to maintain a well-stocked ammunition reserve while reducing dependency on foreign imports.
MIL utilises advanced forging, machining, and quality control technologies to ensure its artillery shells meet the highest standards of precision, durability, and effectiveness. The company adheres to international defence specifications, making it a trusted supplier for the Indian Armed Forces and potential international customers.
With an annual production capacity of 500,000 artillery rounds, MIL enhances India's domestic ammunition production capabilities, ensuring the country remains prepared for both wartime and peacetime requirements. Additionally, this large-scale manufacturing capability positions India as a potential exporter of artillery ammunition to allied nations.
The Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) was historically the backbone of India’s defence manufacturing, overseeing 41 factories across the country. However, due to concerns regarding inefficiency and slow modernisation, the Indian government dissolved the OFB in 2021 and restructured it into seven DPSUs, each focusing on a specialised segment of defence production. MIL was established as the primary entity responsible for ammunition and explosive manufacturing, inheriting decades of expertise while transitioning to a more modern and competitive operational structure.
As a defence public sector entity, MIL oversees multiple units that specialise in different types of ammunition, propellants, and explosives. These units, formerly part of the OFB, have been modernised to improve efficiency, reduce production timelines, and meet evolving military requirements. MIL continues to invest in automation, digital manufacturing, and R&D to enhance the quality and reliability of its products.
As India moves forward with the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, MIL’s contributions are essential to ensuring national security and strategic autonomy. With its large-scale production capabilities, MIL not only strengthens India’s defence preparedness but also supports the country’s ambition to become a global hub for defence manufacturing and exports.
By leveraging cutting-edge technology, improving production efficiency, and focusing on innovation, MIL is reinforcing India's position as a leading manufacturer of artillery munitions, supporting both national security and the country's growing defence export potential.
Adani Defence to Bolster India’s Artillery Production with 155mm Shells
Adani Defence is poised to enhance its artillery ammunition manufacturing with the commencement of 155mm High Explosive Extended Range Full Bore (Base Bleed) (HE ERFB (BB)) shell production at its Kanpur facility. Set to begin operations in April 2025, this initiative is a pivotal step towards strengthening India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
These advanced 155mm shells are designed for extended-range artillery systems, incorporating a base bleed unit to maximise their reach. When fired from a 45-calibre gun, they can achieve a range of approximately 38 kilometres, while a 52-calibre gun can propel them up to 41 kilometres. Filled with TNT, these rounds deliver formidable explosive power, enhancing the firepower of India’s armed forces.
The Kanpur plant is expected to produce an impressive 150,000 rounds annually in the first phase of production, addressing domestic military requirements while also opening avenues for export. By ramping up local production, Adani Defence aims to reduce India’s reliance on OFB supplied artillery rounds for high-calibre artillery ammunition, reinforcing national security and strategic autonomy.
Situated within the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, the Kanpur facility is a cornerstone of India's push towards a self-sufficient defence sector. This initiative aligns with the government’s ‘Make in India’ vision, fostering local expertise, generating employment, and solidifying India’s position as a global defence manufacturing hub.
India’s defence manufacturing sector has undergone a significant transformation with the restructuring of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) into independent entities. Among these, Munitions India Limited (MIL) has emerged as a key player in ammunition production, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality munitions to the Indian Armed Forces.
MIL, one of the seven new defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) created from the OFB in 2021, specialises in the production of ammunition and explosives. With a focus on enhancing self-reliance and efficiency, MIL plays a crucial role in India’s defence ecosystem.
MIL is engaged in the production of 105mm, 130mm, and 155mm artillery shells. Its annual production capacity includes 200,000 rounds of 155mm artillery shells and 300,000 rounds of other calibres, provided its workforce functions at full efficiency and maximises output of the available machinery. This capability significantly strengthens India’s ability to maintain a well-stocked ammunition reserve while reducing dependency on foreign imports.
MIL utilises advanced forging, machining, and quality control technologies to ensure its artillery shells meet the highest standards of precision, durability, and effectiveness. The company adheres to international defence specifications, making it a trusted supplier for the Indian Armed Forces and potential international customers.
With an annual production capacity of 500,000 artillery rounds, MIL enhances India's domestic ammunition production capabilities, ensuring the country remains prepared for both wartime and peacetime requirements. Additionally, this large-scale manufacturing capability positions India as a potential exporter of artillery ammunition to allied nations.
The Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) was historically the backbone of India’s defence manufacturing, overseeing 41 factories across the country. However, due to concerns regarding inefficiency and slow modernisation, the Indian government dissolved the OFB in 2021 and restructured it into seven DPSUs, each focusing on a specialised segment of defence production. MIL was established as the primary entity responsible for ammunition and explosive manufacturing, inheriting decades of expertise while transitioning to a more modern and competitive operational structure.
As a defence public sector entity, MIL oversees multiple units that specialise in different types of ammunition, propellants, and explosives. These units, formerly part of the OFB, have been modernised to improve efficiency, reduce production timelines, and meet evolving military requirements. MIL continues to invest in automation, digital manufacturing, and R&D to enhance the quality and reliability of its products.
As India moves forward with the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, MIL’s contributions are essential to ensuring national security and strategic autonomy. With its large-scale production capabilities, MIL not only strengthens India’s defence preparedness but also supports the country’s ambition to become a global hub for defence manufacturing and exports.
By leveraging cutting-edge technology, improving production efficiency, and focusing on innovation, MIL is reinforcing India's position as a leading manufacturer of artillery munitions, supporting both national security and the country's growing defence export potential.
Private ammunition manufacturers in India : KSSL & Adani defence
KSSL(Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited): Revolutionising Artillery Shell Production
Bharat Forge, through its defence subsidiary Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), has emerged as a leading force in global artillery shell manufacturing. With an impressive forging capacity of 1,000 shells casings per day, the company can produce a diverse range of ammunition, including NATO-standard 155 mm and Soviet 152 mm to 105 mm rounds.
KSSL’s ability to manufacture multiple artillery calibers makes it an invaluable asset for both domestic and international defence forces. As many nations operate mixed artillery systems, the flexibility to produce both NATO and Soviet-compatible shells gives KSSL a strategic advantage in the global market.
India’s emphasis on defence self-reliance has positioned Bharat Forge at the forefront of military production. By scaling up ammunition manufacturing, the company plays a crucial role in reducing reliance on imports while simultaneously bolstering India’s defence exports.
At the heart of KSSL’s production line lies state-of-the-art forging and machining technology, ensuring that each artillery shell meets high standards of durability, precision, and effectiveness. These advanced manufacturing techniques align with international defence specifications, making KSSL a trusted supplier for global armed forces.
With an annual output potential of 365,000 artillery shells, KSSL significantly enhances India’s defense readiness. This high production capacity ensures that India can meet both wartime and peacetime demands, while also strengthening its position as a major ammunition exporter.
Bharat Forge, through its defence subsidiary Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), has emerged as a leading force in global artillery shell manufacturing. With an impressive forging capacity of 1,000 shells casings per day, the company can produce a diverse range of ammunition, including NATO-standard 155 mm and Soviet 152 mm to 105 mm rounds.
KSSL’s ability to manufacture multiple artillery calibers makes it an invaluable asset for both domestic and international defence forces. As many nations operate mixed artillery systems, the flexibility to produce both NATO and Soviet-compatible shells gives KSSL a strategic advantage in the global market.
India’s emphasis on defence self-reliance has positioned Bharat Forge at the forefront of military production. By scaling up ammunition manufacturing, the company plays a crucial role in reducing reliance on imports while simultaneously bolstering India’s defence exports.
At the heart of KSSL’s production line lies state-of-the-art forging and machining technology, ensuring that each artillery shell meets high standards of durability, precision, and effectiveness. These advanced manufacturing techniques align with international defence specifications, making KSSL a trusted supplier for global armed forces.
With an annual output potential of 365,000 artillery shells, KSSL significantly enhances India’s defense readiness. This high production capacity ensures that India can meet both wartime and peacetime demands, while also strengthening its position as a major ammunition exporter.
Adani Defence is poised to enhance its artillery ammunition manufacturing with the commencement of 155mm High Explosive Extended Range Full Bore (Base Bleed) (HE ERFB (BB)) shell production at its Kanpur facility. Set to begin operations in April 2025, this initiative is a pivotal step towards strengthening India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
These advanced 155mm shells are designed for extended-range artillery systems, incorporating a base bleed unit to maximise their reach. When fired from a 45-calibre gun, they can achieve a range of approximately 38 kilometres, while a 52-calibre gun can propel them up to 41 kilometres. Filled with TNT, these rounds deliver formidable explosive power, enhancing the firepower of India’s armed forces.
The Kanpur plant is expected to produce an impressive 150,000 rounds annually in the first phase of production, addressing domestic military requirements while also opening avenues for export. By ramping up local production, Adani Defence aims to reduce India’s reliance on OFB supplied artillery rounds for high-calibre artillery ammunition, reinforcing national security and strategic autonomy.
Situated within the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, the Kanpur facility is a cornerstone of India's push towards a self-sufficient defence sector. This initiative aligns with the government’s ‘Make in India’ vision, fostering local expertise, generating employment, and solidifying India’s position as a global defence manufacturing hub.
Conclusion:
As geopolitical landscapes shift, having a robust indigenous ammunition supply ensures India’s operational readiness and military resilience. By venturing into large-scale 155mm artillery shell production, Adani Defence is cementing its role as a key player in the country’s defence sector, equipping the armed forces with cutting-edge ammunition technology for the future.
With the expansion of 155mm artillery round production by Adani Defence and Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL) under Bharat Forge, India is on track to achieve a significant milestone in indigenous ammunition manufacturing. By 2027, the country is expected to produce half a million rounds of 155mm artillery ammunition annually.
Of this total, 300,000 rounds are projected to come exclusively from private sector manufacturers, highlighting the growing role of private defence firms in strengthening India's self-reliance in munitions production.
Furthermore, India's increasing export capabilities in this sector are becoming evident. A testament to this is Bharat Forge KSSL’s export of 155mm artillery rounds to Armenia, showcasing the country’s emerging presence in the global defence market. With a steady increase in production and international demand, India is well-positioned to become a key supplier of high-calibre artillery ammunition worldwide.
As geopolitical landscapes shift, having a robust indigenous ammunition supply ensures India’s operational readiness and military resilience. By venturing into large-scale 155mm artillery shell production, Adani Defence is cementing its role as a key player in the country’s defence sector, equipping the armed forces with cutting-edge ammunition technology for the future.
Of this total, 300,000 rounds are projected to come exclusively from private sector manufacturers, highlighting the growing role of private defence firms in strengthening India's self-reliance in munitions production.
Furthermore, India's increasing export capabilities in this sector are becoming evident. A testament to this is Bharat Forge KSSL’s export of 155mm artillery rounds to Armenia, showcasing the country’s emerging presence in the global defence market. With a steady increase in production and international demand, India is well-positioned to become a key supplier of high-calibre artillery ammunition worldwide.