Reliance Defence Clinches ₹600 Crore Export Deal with Germany’s Rheinmetall, Boosting India’s Defence Exports
In a major boost to India’s defence manufacturing sector, Reliance Defence, a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure, has clinched a ₹600 crore export order from German defence giant Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH. The deal is among the largest in the high-tech ammunition segment and marks a significant milestone in Reliance’s global expansion strategy.
The order follows a recently formalized strategic partnership between the two companies, aimed at supplying advanced explosives and propellants for ammunition. The collaboration is part of Reliance Defence’s broader ambition to become one of India’s top three defence exporters within the next two years.
Anil Ambani, Founder-Chairman of Reliance Group, hailed the agreement as a “defining milestone” for India’s private defence sector. “Guided by the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, our ambition is clear — to position Reliance Defence among the world’s top three defence exporters,” he said.
As part of the deal, Reliance Defence will establish an integrated manufacturing facility under the Dhirubhai Ambani Defence City (DADC) initiative in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. The facility will produce explosives, ammunition, and small arms, and is expected to be the largest greenfield defence project undertaken by a private company in India.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger emphasized the German firm’s long-term commitment to India, stating, “This strategic partnership illustrates our strong confidence in India’s defence sector under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.”
The agreement also aligns with India’s Make in India and Defence Export Promotion policies, aiming to strengthen indigenous capabilities while expanding India’s footprint in the global arms supply chain—particularly in Europe, which Reliance has identified as a key growth market.
The announcement had an immediate impact on investor sentiment, with shares of Reliance Infrastructure surging 5% on the Bombay Stock Exchange.
