The deal is considered one of the largest high-tech ammunition export contracts secured by an Indian private sector company to date.
Rheinmetall, with a market capitalization of around EUR 80 billion (₹7.99 lakh crore), is one of the world’s largest defence manufacturers.
The order strengthens the recently announced strategic partnership between Reliance Defence and Rheinmetall, which aims to boost defence cooperation between India and Europe.
It represents a significant step in Reliance Defence’s broader ambition to become one of India’s top three defence exporters. It also aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives, which promote self-reliance and indigenous manufacturing in the defence sector, according to a statement.
Anil D Ambani, Founder Chairman of the Reliance Group, stated that the strategic partnership with Rheinmetall would bring cutting-edge capabilities to India and marked a defining milestone for the country’s private defence manufacturing sector. Through this effort, he expressed confidence that India would not only be able to meet its domestic defence needs but also emerge as a trusted player in the global defence supply chain.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger also pointed out the strategic importance of the collaboration. “This strategic partnership with Reliance Defence led by Anil Ambani’s group illustrates our strong commitment to partner with India under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi,” he stated.
As part of its long-term roadmap, Reliance Defence is developing the Dhirubhai Ambani Defence City (DADC) in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. Envisioned as India’s largest greenfield defence manufacturing project by a private firm, DADC will focus on the production of explosives, ammunition, and small arms, and will serve as a hub for innovation, advanced manufacturing, and export-led growth.
