By A Correspondent

Mumbai: In a landmark achievement for India’s private defence sector, Reliance Defence Limited has clinched a ₹600 crore export order from Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH, a key arm of Germany’s defence powerhouse Rheinmetall AG.

The deal represents one of the largest-ever Indian ammunition export orders and marks a significant step in the recently announced strategic partnership between the two companies, aimed at bringing world-class defence manufacturing to Indian soil, the Indian company announced on June 25, 2025.

The order comes almost a month after the German firm announced a strategic partnership with the Indian company, in a media brief issued on May 22, 2025.

Headquartered in Germany, Rheinmetall AG is a global defence and automotive technology leader with 171 sites worldwide, a market cap exceeding €80 billion, and 2024 revenues hitting €9.8 billion. Its portfolio includes armoured and infantry fighting vehicles, advanced air defence systems, and next-generation ammunition systems.

Made in India, for the World

As part of the contract, Reliance Defence will establish an integrated manufacturing facility for ammunition, explosives, and small arms under its ambitious Dhirubhai Ambani Defence City (DADC) project in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.

Envisioned as India’s largest greenfield private defence project, DADC aims to be a hub for innovation, advanced manufacturing, and export-driven growth, aligning with the national drive for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.

A Strategic Leap for Reliance Defence

This contract firmly positions Reliance Defence as an emerging force in the global arms market, with the company aiming to break into the top three defence exporters from India. The Rheinmetall partnership is expected to serve as a launchpad for delivering globally competitive defence solutions from Indian soil.

Anil Ambani, chairman of Reliance Group, called the order a validation of India’s growing role in international defence supply chains. “Guided by the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, as championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our ambition is clear: to position Reliance Defence among the world’s Top 3 defence exporters.”

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, echoed the sentiment, calling the partnership “a demonstration of Rheinmetall’s long-term commitment to India.”

This high-profile order adds momentum to India’s defence exports drive and reinforces the country’s evolving role as a trusted global defence manufacturing hub.

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