SOURCE: AFI
In a significant move underscoring the government’s focus on indigenous defense production, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Field Gun Factory in Kanpur today. This facility, part of Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), is a cornerstone of India’s artillery manufacturing capabilities. Known for producing critical components like barrels and breach assemblies for major artillery systems, including the T-90 tank and Dhanush gun, the factory plays a vital role in strengthening India’s defense self-reliance.
Rajnath Singh’s tour included reviews of crucial units like the Heat Treatment facility and the New Assembly Shop, where various manufacturing stages for artillery and tank components take place. Both these facilities are pivotal in the production process, ensuring that artillery systems meet rigorous quality standards for performance, safety, and durability.
The Heat Treatment facility is essential for refining metal components to withstand the high-stress environments encountered by artillery in combat. In this process, materials are strengthened to endure extreme temperatures and pressures, ensuring longevity and reliability under battlefield conditions. The New Assembly Shop, meanwhile, is equipped with modern assembly technology, facilitating efficient and precise manufacturing of complex components used in India’s advanced weapon systems.
AWEIL, a government-owned enterprise, specializes in manufacturing a wide range of weaponry and equipment, making it a backbone of India’s defense sector. The Field Gun Factory, Kanpur, in particular, has a legacy of producing artillery systems and components that support both the Indian Army’s existing and future requirements.
Among the notable products manufactured here are the barrel and breach assemblies for the T-90 tanks and the Dhanush artillery gun. The Dhanush gun, a 155mm indigenous artillery system inspired by the Bofors, has been an essential asset for the Indian Army, especially in challenging terrain along India’s borders. Similarly, the T-90, a main battle tank widely deployed across India’s northern regions, relies on precision-made barrel assemblies and breach mechanisms, both of which are essential to its firepower and operational reliability.