Tirupati Forge Limited is set to expand its presence in India’s defence manufacturing sector after securing an industrial licence to produce empty artillery shell bodies. The approval marks a new phase for the Gujarat-based engineering and forging company, which is now preparing to establish production capabilities for a range of artillery ammunition components.
Issued under the Indian Arms Act, 1959, the licence permits Tirupati Forge to manufacture shell bodies in seven calibres: 105mm, 120mm, 122mm, 125mm, 130mm, 152mm and 155mm. The 155mm category includes several variants such as HE M107, HE L15A1, Extended Range Full Bore, Base Bleed and Boat Tail configurations.
The company is initially focusing on empty shell bodies rather than complete filled ammunition. These components require precision forging, machining and quality control before they can proceed to later stages of ammunition production. Tirupati Forge plans to use its existing engineering and manufacturing capabilities as it builds this new defence-oriented business.
The company has outlined an initial production capacity of approximately 150,000 shell bodies a year. Pilot manufacturing is scheduled to start in December 2026, subject to the completion of required trials and approvals. The pilot phase will be an important step towards establishing regular production and subsequently expanding the facility’s output.
The move represents a diversification of Tirupati Forge’s business into a specialised segment of defence manufacturing. The company has been developing dedicated infrastructure for shell-body production, including an automated manufacturing setup intended to support higher-volume production. Earlier company disclosures had outlined an initial focus on 155mm M107 shell bodies.
Tirupati Forge’s entry comes at a time when India is increasing domestic defence manufacturing capacity and broadening the participation of private companies in the sector. The company has also indicated that it is exploring technology, manufacturing and supply-chain partnerships to support its defence operations and future market opportunities.
For Tirupati Forge, the new licence provides the regulatory foundation needed to move from facility development and production preparations towards actual defence manufacturing. However, the transition to commercial production will depend on successful trials, product qualification, applicable approvals and subsequent customer or procurement requirements.
The planned December pilot run will therefore be a key milestone for the company. If the manufacturing programme progresses as planned, Tirupati Forge will add another private-sector capability to India’s artillery ammunition supply chain, while expanding its own operations beyond conventional engineering and forging activities.
-
-
-
-
