On November 2, 2024, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh visited the Field Gun Factory in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, a key unit under the Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL). This factory plays a pivotal role in India’s defence manufacturing landscape, specializing in producing high-precision Barrel and Breach assemblies for various artillery guns and tanks, including the formidable Tank T-90 and the advanced Dhanush Gun. Shri Rajnath Singh’s visit underscored the government’s commitment to bolstering India’s indigenous defence capabilities as part of the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, which aims for self-sufficiency in defence production.
Shri Rajnath Singh was accompanied by two prominent figures from India’s defence sector—Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat. Together, they assessed the progress and operational efficiency of the facilities and reviewed ongoing modernization initiatives aimed at enhancing the factory’s production capacity and technical prowess.
The Field Gun Factory’s Role in Defence Manufacturing
As one of India’s foremost defence production units, the Field Gun Factory has long been recognized for its contributions to artillery and tank production. Under AWEIL’s banner, it specializes in manufacturing critical components of artillery guns and tanks, notably the Barrel and Breach assemblies, which are essential to the effectiveness and durability of such high-power weaponry. Among its flagship products, the factory produces components for Tank T-90 and the Dhanush Gun, an indigenous artillery gun developed for the Indian Army, showcasing India’s advancing capabilities in heavy artillery.
The Dhanush Gun, often referred to as the Indian version of the Bofors gun, is designed for mountainous and high-altitude warfare, making it ideal for regions such as the northern and northeastern borders. The Tank T-90, on the other hand, serves as the backbone of India’s armoured corps. The production of these weapon systems within India aligns with the government’s long-term vision of reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for critical defence equipment and technology.
Inspection of Key Facilities
During his visit, Shri Rajnath Singh closely inspected two key facilities within the factory: the Heat Treatment section and the New Assembly Shop. These facilities are crucial for ensuring the quality and performance of defence equipment, as they oversee the processes that enhance the durability, strength, and reliability of metal components used in artillery guns and tanks.
The Heat Treatment section is responsible for hardening and tempering metals to withstand the extreme pressures and temperatures encountered during firing. This process is vital for the longevity of the Barrel and Breach assemblies. The New Assembly Shop, on the other hand, is where final assembly processes take place. Equipped with modern machinery and skilled technicians, this section represents the culmination of precision engineering and quality control to deliver products that meet the rigorous standards of the Indian Armed Forces.
Shri Rajnath Singh’s tour of these facilities not only highlighted the operational expertise of the Field Gun Factory but also served to reinforce the significance of these technical processes in ensuring the factory’s continued success in manufacturing advanced artillery systems domestically.
Briefing by DPSU Leadership
Following the tour of the Field Gun Factory’s shop floor, Shri Rajnath Singh received briefings from the Chairmen and Managing Directors (CMDs) of three Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) located in Kanpur—AWEIL, Troop Comforts India Limited (TCIL), and Gliders India Limited (GIL). The Director of the Defence Materials and Stores Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE), a DRDO laboratory also based in Kanpur, participated in the briefings. This session was an opportunity for these DPSUs to showcase their respective product lines, ongoing projects, and research and development (R&D) initiatives to the Raksha Mantri.
During these briefings, the CMDs discussed their product profiles, highlighting major ongoing projects and detailing their efforts in research and development. They emphasized the significant strides made toward modernizing their production facilities, all aimed at enhancing their contributions to India’s defence needs. Shri Rajnath Singh’s attention to these presentations underscored the government’s interest in accelerating domestic defence production and supporting technological advancements within these organizations.
Focus on AWEIL’s Specialized Manufacturing
AWEIL’s core manufacturing operations focus on producing small, medium, and large-caliber gun systems. These systems are designed to serve diverse operational requirements across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. By developing a range of artillery solutions, AWEIL not only bolsters India’s defence readiness but also reduces dependence on foreign suppliers for key components in critical defence systems. This aligns directly with the government’s vision of an “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) in defence, strengthening national security and creating opportunities for indigenous industry growth.
Troop Comforts India Limited (TCIL): Advancing Combat and High-Altitude Gear
Troop Comforts India Limited (TCIL) plays a crucial role in ensuring that Indian soldiers are equipped to face extreme weather and challenging environments. TCIL manufactures combat uniforms, ballistic protective gear, cold-weather clothing, and tentages specifically designed for high-altitude conditions. These products are critical for India’s military operations in extreme terrains, such as those in the Himalayas, where high-altitude warfare capabilities are essential.
In recent years, TCIL has focused on enhancing the quality and durability of its products, incorporating advanced materials and designs to improve both the comfort and safety of soldiers. The CMD of TCIL highlighted these developments, stressing their importance in fulfilling the evolving needs of the armed forces.
Gliders India Limited (GIL): Leader in Parachute Manufacturing
Gliders India Limited (GIL) is India’s oldest and largest parachute manufacturing unit. Parachutes are indispensable in various military operations, from airborne troop deployment to supplying remote and inaccessible areas. GIL’s long-standing expertise in parachute production has earned it a reputation as a reliable supplier within the armed forces.
During the briefing, the CMD of GIL showcased the company’s product lines and outlined the modernization efforts underway to ensure that GIL remains competitive and responsive to the dynamic needs of defence operations. GIL’s facilities have been continuously upgraded to incorporate advanced materials and manufacturing techniques, ensuring the production of high-quality parachutes suited for diverse applications within the armed forces.
DMSRDE: Supporting Defence with Cutting-Edge Research
The Defence Materials and Stores Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE), a DRDO laboratory located in Kanpur, supports the armed forces with advanced research and development efforts. The director of DMSRDE briefed Shri Rajnath Singh on the laboratory’s current projects and technological advancements.
DMSRDE’s research focuses on developing new materials and innovative solutions for defence applications, ensuring that India’s military is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies. From ballistic materials to protective fabrics, the laboratory’s contributions are integral to enhancing the safety and operational effectiveness of Indian soldiers.
Conclusion
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh’s visit to the Field Gun Factory in Kanpur marked a significant step in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing. By inspecting the facilities, engaging with the leadership of key DPSUs, and reviewing modernization efforts, Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of indigenous defence production and technological innovation in meeting the country’s security needs.
This visit highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to boost local production and support research and development in defence manufacturing. Under Shri Rajnath Singh’s leadership, India’s defence sector is expected to continue growing and evolving, with domestic industry playing an increasingly central role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and security.
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