In a significant boost to India's defence manufacturing initiatives and the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, renowned British arms manufacturer Webley & Scott has announced plans to establish a state-of-the-art ammunition manufacturing facility in the Lucknow node of the defence corridor.
According to company officials, the first phase of the project will involve an investment of nearly Rs 100 crore, which is proposed to be expanded to around Rs 300 crore over the next three years. The facility is expected to begin production by the end of 2027.
The upcoming plant is expected to become one of the country's largest ammunition manufacturing units and will produce a wide range of defence-grade cartridges and weapon-related materials for the armed forces, paramilitary forces and authorised security agencies.
Co-owner of the Webley & Scott Group John Bride and company director SP Sial told TOI that the project has been designed with the vision of creating one of India's most advanced and integrated ammunition manufacturing ecosystems.
Key details of the plant:
- The plant will manufacture ammunition of multiple calibres, including 9x19 mm, 5.56x45 mm, 7.62x39 mm, 7.62x51 mm and 12.7 mm defence-grade rounds widely used by military and security agencies.
- The company has acquired about four acres of land in the Lucknow node and will soon begin other processes.
- The facility will cater to both defence purposes and civilian sales.
Apart from ammunition, the facility will also manufacture primers and other key components required in the production process. Officials said this would provide the company with complete end-to-end manufacturing capability within India, significantly reducing dependence on imports for critical defence supplies.
The development is a milestone for the UP Defence Industrial Corridor, which has been promoted by the state government as a hub for indigenous defence production under the Centre's 'Make in India' initiative, an official said.
Industry experts believe the project could strengthen domestic defence preparedness, create employment opportunities, attract ancillary industries and accelerate technology transfer in the defence sector.
Webley & Scott already operates a manufacturing unit in the Sandila area of Hardoi district, where pistols, revolvers, rifles and shotguns are being produced. The company is also setting up a separate airgun manufacturing facility at the same location to produce premium-quality airguns.
The proposed ammunition unit in Lucknow is expected to expand the state's role in India's rapidly growing defence manufacturing ecosystem and reinforce efforts aimed at achieving self-reliance in strategic and military production.
