In a major boost to India’s private defence manufacturing sector, Reliance Defence Limited has secured an export order worth Rs Rs 600 crore from Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH, a German defence major.
Rheinmetall AG, headquartered in Germany, is one of the world’s largest defence conglomerates, with a market capitalisation exceeding EUR 80 billion and 171 operational locations worldwide. In 2024, it posted annual revenue of EUR 9.8 billion. Its core operations span armoured vehicles, infantry fighting vehicles, advanced air defence systems, and next-generation ammunition.
The order is among the largest Indian exports in the high-tech ammunition domain to date and is a key milestone in the recently announced strategic partnership between the two companies.
The order is seen as a reflection of the company’s growing role in the global defence supply chain, particularly in Europe, and aligns with India’s national vision of self-reliance in defence under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.
What will be produced and where?
Reliance Defence plans to establish an integrated facility for manufacturing ammunition, explosives, and small arms under the Dhirubhai Ambani Defence City (DADC) initiative. The facility, located in the Watad industrial area of Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, is expected to be the largest greenfield defence project by a private Indian firm.
The DADC is envisioned as a centre for innovation, advanced production, and export-oriented growth, supporting both India’s domestic needs and its global defence partnerships.
What does the order mean for Reliance Defence?
The Rs 600 crore export order solidifies the company’s emergence as a significant player in the international arms market. The company aims to be among the top three defence exporters from India, banking on its partnership with Rheinmetall to deliver globally competitive defence products.
Anil Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Group, said the collaboration brings cutting-edge capabilities to India. “Guided by the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, as championed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, our ambition is clear — to position Reliance Defence among the world’s Top 3 defence exporters,” he said in a statement. Rheinmetall’s CEO, Armin Papperger, described the partnership as a demonstration of Rheinmetall’s long-term commitment to India.