SOURCE: AFI
In a transformative development for India’s defence manufacturing sector, SM Pulp Packaging, now rebranded as SMPP Ammunition, is establishing a sprawling 300-hectare munitions manufacturing facility in Solan, Himachal Pradesh. This ambitious project, quietly backed by the Rheinmetall Denel group, marks a significant step toward bolstering India’s self-reliance in defence production.
The facility, located at Plot No. 01, Industrial Area, Lakhanpur, Tehsil Nalagarh, Distt. Solan, spans approximately 3,237,600 square meters (800 acres) of industrial land allotted on a 95-year lease by the Government of Himachal Pradesh. The allotment, formalized through a lease deed dated March 1, 2024, and an allotment letter dated January 18, 2022, from the Deputy Director of Industries, Single Window Clearance Agency, Nalagarh, positions SMPP Ammunition to drive large-scale ammunition production for military applications.
The Solan facility will initially focus on manufacturing 155mm artillery shells, with a starting capacity of 250,000 shells annually. Designed with scalability in mind, the plant is equipped to expand production to include other large and medium-caliber ammunition through minor adjustments to its infrastructure. SMPP Ammunition also plans to achieve full backward integration by setting up in-house production for critical raw materials and propellants, such as nitrocellulose (NC), nitroguanidine (NG), NC-NG paste, and single, double, and triple-base propellants. This move aims to reduce dependency on external suppliers and enhance operational efficiency.
The involvement of Rheinmetall Denel, a global leader in defence technology, underscores the project’s strategic significance. The collaboration brings advanced technical expertise and credibility to SMPP’s vision, positioning the facility as a cornerstone of India’s defence industrial ecosystem. By leveraging Rheinmetall Denel’s know-how, SMPP Ammunition is poised to deliver high-quality, precision-engineered munitions that meet the stringent demands of modern warfare.
The Solan facility aligns with India’s broader push for indigenous defence manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative. By establishing a robust supply chain for artillery ammunition, SMPP Ammunition aims to strengthen national security while creating significant economic opportunities in Himachal Pradesh. The project is expected to generate employment, foster skill development, and stimulate ancillary industries in the region.
While SMPP Ammunition has maintained a low profile, the scale and ambition of this venture signal its emergence as a key player in the global defence market. As the facility moves toward operationalization, it is set to redefine India’s ammunition production capabilities, ensuring a steady and self-sufficient supply for the armed forces.
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