NSE-listed Tirupati Forge Limited, a precision engineering and forging company, has received an industrial licence under the Arms Act, 1959 to manufacture empty artillery shells. The licence covers for 105mm, 120mm, 122mm, 125mm, 130mm, 152mm and 155mm artillery shells. For the 155mm artillery shells, the licence includes HE M107, HE L15A1, Extended Range Full Bore (ERFB), ERFB Base Bleed (BB) and ERFB Boat Tail (BT).
Gujarat based Tirupati Forge plans to start commercial production in December 2026 post all trials and approvals. It will have an initial production capacity of 150,000 shells a year.
“This licence allows us to enter a new area of defence manufacturing. We will focus on building production capacity and meeting the quality and safety requirements of the defence sector,” said Hitesh Thummar, Chairman and Managing Director of Tirupati Forge.
The move comes as India is increasing domestic defence production and giving a larger role to private manufacturers. India’s defence production reached ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY2025-26, while defence exports stood at ₹38,424 crore, according to government data.
Tirupati Forge is also looking at technology, manufacturing and supply-chain partnerships with Indian and international companies. These partnerships could support the company as it increases production and explores opportunities in overseas markets, subject to the required approvals.
“Our aim is to build this into a long-term manufacturing business. We will look at domestic requirements as well as international opportunities as we increase our capabilities,” added Thumar.
The company will initially manufacture empty artillery shells. It plans to use its existing engineering and manufacturing capabilities to build the new defence business.
