18 March: Ordnance Factories Day

OV Digital Desk
8 Min Read
18 March: Ordnance Factories Day

Ordnance Factories Day is observed on the 18th of March every year to commemorate the establishment of the first ordnance factory in India in 1801. The day serves as a tribute to the exceptional work and commitment of the Indian Ordnance Factories, which have been an integral part of India’s defense system for over two centuries.

The Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) is the world’s largest government-operated production organization, responsible for manufacturing a wide range of defense equipment, from small arms and ammunition to tanks, combat vehicles, and aircraft. The OFB has 41 factories across India, employing over 80,000 personnel and generating significant revenue for the country.

Ordnance Factories Day: History

Ordnance factories in India have a history that dates back to the British era. To increase their economic interest and political influence, the East India Company of England considered manufacturing military hardware a vital component. The British authorities 1775 established a Board of Ordnance in Fort William, Kolkata, which marks the official beginning of the Army Ordnance in India. In 1787, the British built a gunpowder factory in Ishapore, which started producing gunpowder in 1791. In 1801, the British built a gun carriage agency at Cossipore, Kolkata, which started producing gun carriages on March 18, 1802. In this way, the first Ordnance Factory was established in India and continues to operate to this day.

Ordnance Factories Day: Significance & Celebration

The observance of Ordnance Factories Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of the Indian Ordnance Factories to national security and the country’s defense preparedness. It is a day to pay homage to the brave soldiers who protect the nation and to recognize the efforts of the dedicated workforce that works tirelessly to support them.

Read More: 18 March in Indian and World History

On this day, various programs and events are organized by the Ordnance Factories across the country to showcase their products and capabilities. These events also provide a platform for industry experts and stakeholders to interact and share their knowledge and experiences.

Ordnance Factories Day: Quick Facts

  • Ordnance Factories Day is observed on March 18th of every year in India.
  • It commemorates the establishment of the first ordnance factory in India in 1801.
  • The Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) is the world’s largest government-operated production organization.
  • The OFB has 41 factories across India, employing over 80,000 personnel.
  • Ordnance factories manufacture a wide range of defense equipment, from small arms and ammunition to tanks, combat vehicles, and aircraft.
  • Ordnance factories played a crucial role in India’s defense during World War II, producing millions of rounds of ammunition and other equipment.
  • Ordnance Factories Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of the Indian Ordnance Factories to national security and the country’s defense preparedness.

STATE-WISE DETAILS OF ORDNANCE FACTORIES:

Sl. No.Factory/ LocationMajor Product (s)
 TELANGANA
1.Ordnance Factory, Medak

 

Infantry Combat Vehicle
BIHAR
2.Ordnance Factory, Nalanda, BiharPropellant Bi-modular charges System (At Project Stage).
CHANDIGARH 
3.Ordnance Cable Factory, ChandigarhCables of various types, optical sights
MAHARASHTRA
4.Ammunition Factory, Kirkee, Pune

 

Small Arms ammunition
5.High Explosive Factory, PuneExplosives, Initiatory Explosives, Acids and Chemicals, etc.
6.Ordnance Factory, ChandrapurTank Gun Ammunition and Mortar ammunition.
7.Ordnance Factory, VarangaonSmall Arms ammunition
8.Ordnance Factory, BhandaraPropellants and Commercial Explosives
9.Ordnance Factory, Dehu RoadVarious Pyrotechnic compositions
10.Ordnance Factory, AmbajhariAmmunition hardware for various ammunitions.
11.Ordnance Factory, AmbarnathBrass and Guilding Metal cups of various Calibre for small arms and other ammunition.
12.Machine Tool Prototype Factory, AmbarnathDesign, development and manufacture of special-purpose machine tools and equipment, components and sub-assemblies for   A & B vehicles.
13.Ordnance Factory, Bhusawal

 

Drums, Barrels, Ammunition boxes.
MADHYA PRADESH
14.Ordnance Factory, Khamaria, JabalpurSmall arms ammunition, anti aircraft ammunition, Heavy calibreanti tank ammunition, bombs, mines, ammunitions for Airforce and Navy.
15.Ordnance Factory, ItarsiPropellants of various types, Acid, Sulphuric Acid, Picriteetc
16.Ordnance Factory, KatniNon-Ferrous Rolled and Extruded sections, cups for small arms ammunitions, Heavy calibre cartridge cases
17.Gun Carriage Factory, JabalpurCarriages for Artillery Guns,  Tank Gun Recoil System, Anti aircraft Gun, Mortars
18.Vehicle Factory, Jabalpur

 

Army Transport vehicles
19.Grey Iron Foundry

Jabalpur

Automobile casting of Grey and Malleable Iron
ODISHA
20.Ordnance Factory, Badmal, BolangirTank Gun and Artillery ammunition

 

TAMIL NADU
21.Heavy Alloy Penetrator Project, TiruchirapalliEmpty Shots for Kinetic Energy ammunition.
22.Ordnance Factory, Trichy, Tiruchirapalli

 

Small Arms
23.Heavy Vehicle Factory, AvadiTanks
24.Engine Factory, AvadiEngines for Battle Tanks and ICV

 

25.Ordnance Clothing Factory, AvadiAll  Combat Clothing and Parade Garments, Parachutes
26.Cordite Factory, AruvankaduPropellant of various types.
UTTARAKHAND
27.Ordnance Factory, DehradunSighting and Fire Control instruments for tanks, Fire Control instruments for Guns and Mortars, Binoculars.
28.Opto Electronic Factory, DehradunPrecision Opto Mechanical/Electronic Instruments for sighting and fire control for A vehicles.
UTTAR PRADESH
29.Ordnance Factory, MuradnagarPlain Carbon and alloy steel castings for Tanks, ammunitions, Steel forgings.

 

30.Ordnance Factory, KanpurMedium & High calibre guns, Shell empties.
31.Small Arms Factory, KanpurSmall Arms.

 

32.Field Gun Factory, KanpurHigh Calibre Ordnance & Spare Barrels, .32” Revolver
33.Ordnance Equipment Factory, KanpurLeather items, textile items, engineering equipments including mountaineering items

 

34.Ordnance Parachute Factory, KanpurParachutes of different types.

 

35.Ordnance Clothing Factory, Shahjahanpur

 

All Combat Clothing, Textile and Tentage items
36.Ordnance Equipment Factory, Hazratpur

 

Tents & other clothing items
37.Ordnance Factory, Korwa.For production of carbines.

(At Project Stage).

WEST BENGAL
38.Gun & Shell Factory, CossiporeMedium Calibre Guns, Shells &Fuzes, pistols and Rocket Launcher
39.Rifle Factory, IshaporeSmall Arms.
40.Metal and Steel Factory, IshaporeVarious Ferrous and non-ferrous castings & extrusions, Light/Medium/Heavy Steel Forgings including Gun Barrel Forgings

 

41.Ordnance Factory, Dum DumVarious Precision Machined and Fabricated items for Defence Forces.

 

 

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