Reliance Infrastructure Commits Rs 10,000 Crore to Major Defence Manufacturing Project in Maharashtra

Reliance Infrastructure Ltd, led by Anil Ambani, announced a significant investment plan on Tuesday. The company will allocate Rs 10,000 crore over the next decade to establish India's largest integrated project in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. This initiative focuses on manufacturing explosives, ammunition, and small arms.

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The Dhirubhai Ambani Defence City (DADC) will be developed on 1,000 acres in the Watad Industrial Area of Ratnagiri. According to the company, this will be the largest greenfield project in India's defence sector undertaken by a private entity. Reliance Infrastructure joins other major players like Tata Group, Adani, and Larsen & Toubro in defence manufacturing.

Investment and Export Plans

Reliance Infrastructure plans to invest over Rs 10,000 crore in this project over ten years. The company has already exported defence equipment worth more than Rs 1,000 crore through its subsidiaries. Jai Armaments Ltd and Reliance Defence Ltd, both wholly-owned subsidiaries, hold government licenses for arms and ammunition manufacturing.

The project aims to form joint ventures with up to six leading global defence companies. It will produce a wide range of ammunition, from small to large calibres, including terminally guided munitions (TGM). The small arms portfolio is designed for export markets catering to both civil and military needs.

Existing Partnerships and Future Prospects

While the statement did not disclose potential joint venture partners' names, R-Infra already collaborates with French defence firms Dassault Aviation and Thales. These partnerships highlight the company's commitment to expanding its footprint in the global defence market.

This ambitious project underscores Reliance Infrastructure's strategic move into the defence sector. By leveraging existing partnerships and exploring new collaborations, the company aims to strengthen its position in both domestic and international markets.