Nibe Group today marked a defining milestone in India's indigenous defence manufacturing journey with the inauguration of its state-of-the-art Defence Manufacturing Complex in Shirdi, Maharashtra. The ceremony took place in the esteemed presence of Shri Rajnath Singh, Raksha Mantri, and Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The facility has been envisioned as a next-generation ecosystem for advanced artillery systems, missile technologies, and space technologies.

Strategic Alignment

The commissioning of this facility aligns with the Government of India's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh praised the group's contribution to 'Make in India', stating that the scale and capability will propel India into a new era of defence weapons manufacturing. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted Maharashtra's emerging role as a major defence corridor, noting the strategic significance of the completed trials.

Key Highlights

The event featured the unveiling and ceremonial flag-off of "Suryastra", India's first indigenous 300 KM Universal Rocket Launching System. Additionally, the group highlighted the successful trials of the 100 KM Loitering Munition "Skystriker". The complex is expected to generate more than 3,000 direct employment opportunities.

Facility Details

Global Defence Industries Limited (formerly known as Nibe Ordnance and Maritime Limited) has filed a press release under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, announcing that its subsidiary Globe Forge Limited will inaugurate a landmark defence manufacturing facility in Shirdi on 23rd and 24th May 2026. The disclosure, dated 14th May 2026, highlights a significant development in India's private-sector defence manufacturing landscape.

Shirdi Defence Manufacturing Complex: A Major Milestone

Globe Forge Limited's new Shirdi Defence Manufacturing Complex is located in Shirdi, Ahilya Nagar district, Maharashtra. The facility is designed to support advanced manufacturing in critical defence and aerospace segments, reinforcing India's growing capabilities in indigenous technology and strategic production. The two-day inauguration event will bring together students, aspiring engineers, young innovators, senior government leaders, defence officials, industry experts, MSMEs, investors, and media from across the country.

Key details of the event and facility are outlined below:

Artillery Shell Production: India's Largest Private-Sector Capability

A key highlight of the complex is its state-of-the-art artillery shell production line. Globe Forge Limited will have the capability to manufacture nearly 5,00,000 artillery shell hardware annually, which is described as the largest artillery shell manufacturing capability in India's private sector. The company's core focus encompasses the production of artillery shells ranging from 40mm to 155mm for tactical missions and light artillery.

Government and Industry Endorsement

Maharashtra's Water Resources Minister, Shri Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, underscored the significance of the project, stating that Shirdi represents a confluence of devotion and power, and that the initiative aims to develop Shirdi into a major defence manufacturing hub. He noted that the project would bolster India's military capabilities while simultaneously generating large-scale employment opportunities within the region.

Director of Globe Forge Limited, Shri Ganesh Nibe Ji, emphasized the role of young professionals in realising the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat, stating that the strength of the nation lies in the ideas, energy, and determination of students, young engineers, and aspiring entrepreneurs. The inauguration is positioned not merely as the commissioning of a manufacturing facility, but as an invitation to the next generation of innovators to engage with India's defence and technological capabilities.

About the Companies

The following provides a brief overview of both entities involved in this development:

Global Defence Industries Limited

• Incorporated on December 22, 1984 under the Companies Act, 1956
• Operates in the defence manufacturing sector, focusing on development, production, and supply of ordnance, ammunition, and related defence equipment for domestic and international markets
• Product portfolio includes guns, ammunition, explosives, armoured vehicle components, naval systems, and various defence equipment and accessories
• Supports the Government of India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative through indigenous defence production

Globe Forge Limited

• Operates as a subsidiary of Global Defence Industries Limited
• Specialises in manufacturing defence ammunition shells
• Core focus on production of artillery shells ranging from 40mm to 155mm
• Operations geared towards supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative through indigenous production of military hardware

The Shirdi project represents Globe Forge Limited's integrated vision encompassing national security, economic growth, MSME empowerment, employment generation, and environmental responsibility, contributing to Maharashtra's emergence as a leading centre for advanced manufacturing.