From Rifles In Kanpur To Fighter Jets In Bengaluru: India Builds Its Own Weapons

Last Updated:June 23, 2025, 18:44 IST

Hyderabad, Pune, Jabalpur, Bengaluru, Nagpur, and Kochi are now emerging as key hubs for modern weapons production, alongside their established industrial strengths

Ordnance factories in Chandigarh and Kanpur now manufacture small arms such as the INSAS rifle, AK-203, and carbines. (Representative/PTI)

India, once heavily dependent on defence imports from countries like Russia, the U.S., and France, is rapidly emerging as a self-reliant military power. Under initiatives like ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India,’ the country is now producing its own tanks, missiles, fighter jets, artillery, and submarines—marking a significant shift in its defence capabilities.

Small Cities Emerge As Weapons Manufacturing Hubs

Cities like Hyderabad, Pune, Jabalpur, Bengaluru, Nagpur, and Kochi are fast gaining recognition not just for their IT and industrial strength, but also as key centres for modern weapons production. Major defence organisations like DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) and BEL (Bharat Electronics Limited), along with several private firms are driving this transformation through active collaboration in these regions.

India’s Homegrown Fighter Aircraft

The ‘Tejas’ fighter jet, developed by HAL in Bengaluru, has been inducted into the Indian Air Force as a symbol of India’s growing defence self-reliance. Fully indigenous, Tejas is equipped with advanced features including missile launchers, smart radar systems, and supersonic capabilities. HAL is now working on a more advanced version, the ‘Tejas Mark 2’, to further strengthen India’s air combat fleet.

Arjun Tank And Dhanush Cannon

The Arjun tank, produced in Avadi, Tamil Nadu, is deemed superior to Pakistani tanks in combat. Meanwhile, Jabalpur’s Gun Carriage Factory has developed the ‘Dhanush’ cannon, often referred to as the ‘indigenous Bofors’. This cannon can accurately target high-altitude locations.

Nag, Akash And Brahmos Missiles

In Hyderabad, DRDO and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) are jointly producing Akash and Nag missiles. The Akash missile is designed for air defence, neutralising aerial threats, while the Nag missile targets tanks. Although the Brahmos missile was initially a joint venture between India and Russia, it is now manufactured domestically.

INS Vikrant And Nuclear Submarines

India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, was constructed in Kochi. Additionally, the nuclear submarine INS Arihant, built in Visakhapatnam, utilises indigenous technology. These advancements mark significant strides towards India becoming a maritime superpower.

Domestic Production Of Small Arms

Ordnance factories in Chandigarh and Kanpur now manufacture small arms such as the INSAS rifle, AK-203, and carbines. These weapons are supplied to the army, police, and security forces, and India has begun exporting them as well.

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