- Gujarat’s Defence Milestone: Rs 75-Crore Arms Factory Set to Begin Production by January 2026
Rajkot, October 22: In a major boost to India’s defence self-reliance, Gujarat is set to join the country’s small arms manufacturing network with its first-ever weapons production facility coming up in Satda village of Gondal taluka, Rajkot district. The factory, being developed by Raspian Enterprise Private Limited, will mark a historic milestone for Gujarat’s industrial and strategic growth.
Spread across 15,000 square feet, the project is being established at a cost of Rs 75 crore, with commercial production expected to commence by January 2026. After receiving official approval to manufacture arms, ammunition, and bullets, the factory will operate exclusively for the Union Ministry of Defence, supplying small arms under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Company promoter Alpesh Bhavsar and Executive Director (Technical) Harnil Shah stated that the land allotment and approvals were granted in 2019, but progress was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Once operational, the unit will help reduce India’s dependency on arms imports from countries like the United States, Russia, and Israel, further enhancing the nation’s indigenous defence production capacity.
The company clarified that all products will be supplied strictly to Indian armed forces and law enforcement agencies. “We will not engage in trade with any country that is hostile to India,” said Shah. The facility will also function under the security supervision of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), ensuring compliance with national security standards.
Raspian Enterprise’s establishment marks a turning point for Gujarat, which until now had no arms manufacturing facility due to restrictions on private weapon production. The project will not only bolster India’s strategic autonomy but also contribute to the local economy by generating employment and fostering ancillary industries in metallurgy, machining, and precision engineering.
Once commissioned, the Rajkot facility will become India’s fourth small arms manufacturing plant, adding to the growing network of indigenous defence production hubs across the country. This milestone aligns with the government’s vision of transforming India into a global defence manufacturing powerhouse, leveraging both private enterprise and regional industrial potential.