As nation’s Ultimate Weapon System Provider, Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) is committed towards timely product delivery with highest standards of quality, prompt service, grievance redressal mechanism, transparency and accountability. AWEIL has emerged as a key player in India’s defence manufacturing landscape in a short span of time.
In an exclusive interview to Raksha Anirveda, Rajesh Choudhary (RC), Chairman and Managing Director of AWEIL, sheds light on the company’s journey since its inception in October 2021, its progress and future trajectory. From overcoming initial challenges to achieving significant milestones, AWEIL continues to expand its product portfolio and global market presence. Excerpts from the freewheeling interview…
RA: AWEIL was established following the corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) in October 2021. Could you elaborate on the initial challenges AWEIL faced and how the journey has been so far?
RC: The journey of AWEIL since its inception in October 2021 has been both challenging and rewarding. One of our primary challenges was transitioning from the traditional setup of OFB to a more agile and commercially oriented entity under the corporatisation mandate. This involved not only restructuring our operational framework but also aligning our objectives with the evolving demands of the defence sector.
Initially, adapting to corporate governance norms and implementing modern management practices posed significant challenges. We had to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and foster a culture of innovation and accountability among our workforce. However, despite these challenges, I am proud to say that AWEIL has made remarkable strides in a relatively short span of time. We have successfully navigated the initial teething problems and are now poised for growth and excellence. Our focus on technological advancement, research and development, and strategic collaborations has enabled us to deliver cutting-edge weapon equipment solutions to our esteemed clients in the defence sector.
RA: AWEIL, with its eight production units, one skill development institute, and three research and development centres, has encompassed various aspects of armament manufacturing and ensured high-quality standards. What new initiatives are being undertaken?
RC: At AWEIL, our journey following the corporatisation from the erstwhile OFB has been driven by a strategic imperative to modernise our manufacturing processes, elevate our quality standards to meet global benchmarks, and sustain competitiveness in the dynamic landscape of armament manufacturing.
AWEIL has undertaken a comprehensive plan to upgrade its manufacturing facilities through the installation of the most modern plants and machinery. We are investing significantly in advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and digital manufacturing solutions. AWEIL has identified a number of processes for implementing Quality Assurance 4.0 (QA4.0) at our eight units. As part of modernisation and technological advancement, AWEIL has selected Digital Borescopic Inspection of Barrels of Artillery Guns as a pilot project. Simultaneously, we are working on the use of AI in this inspection to ensure more reliability and efficiency. We are also developing Remote Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS) platforms for medium calibre and small arms, as well as drone-mounted weapon systems.
“AWEIL has made remarkable strides in a relatively short span of time. We have success-fully navigated the initial teething problems and are now poised for growth and excellence”
We have intensified our focus on research and development (R&D) to foster innovation and develop cutting-edge armament solutions. AWEIL’s three dedicated Ordnance Development Centres focus on developing modern war weapons. Additionally, to ensure the best global quality standards, we have implemented Quality Management Systems certified to international standards. Continuous training and skill development programs are implemented at our dedicated institute, AWEIL Training Academy, Ishapore, as well as through prominent field-specific training programs. We are equipping our workforce with the latest knowledge and techniques in manufacturing and quality assurance.
In the realm of competitiveness, AWEIL is actively exploring opportunities for strategic partnerships and collaborations both domestically and internationally. AWEIL has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with leading defence and technology companies as well as with reputed academic institutions.
RA: AWEIL has a wide range of product portfolio – from small arms, systems and platforms to ordnances and recoil systems. Kindly provide insights into your best-selling products and the new products/systems that are in the pipeline.
RC: At AWEIL, our product portfolio spans a diverse range of armament solutions. Our major products include the most modern 155 mm/45 calibre artillery gun systems, 40 mm air defence guns, 30 mm naval guns, mortars, small arms of various calibres (ranging from machine guns, assault rifles, carbines, pistols, and revolvers), tank gun articles, and ammunition hardware (shells ranging from 30 mm to 155 mm).
AWEIL signed a contract with the Ministry of Defence in February 2024 for manufacturing and supplying indigenously manufactured 12.7 mm Stabilised Remote Control Guns (SRCG) for the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. Among our flagship projects, the 7.62×39 mm Trichy Assault Rifle (TAR) in the small arms category continues to be highly demanded by Central Armed Police Forces in the domestic market. AWEIL has also secured a prestigious order for exporting 7.62 mm gun systems.
The 155 mm/45 calibres ‘DHANUSH’ continues to be our flagship product, showcasing our engineering expertise, domain knowledge, vast experience, precision manufacturing capabilities, and commitment to delivering cutting-edge defence solutions. AWEIL is supplying these guns to the Indian Army, and they have been successfully deployed along the Northern Borders.
Looking ahead, AWEIL is actively pursuing the development of new products and systems to expand our portfolio. Our recent developments include155mm 52 Cal Mounted Gun System, 155mm 52 Cal Towed Gun, Anti-material Rifle, CQB carbine and the list is increasing continuously. These initiatives represent our commitment to innovation and addressing the evolving needs of Armed Forces.
“In a short span of two years and nine months, AWEIL has made its presence felt in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Africa, securing 16 export orders worth approxi-mately INR 620 crore”
RA: In October 2024, AWEIL will be completing three years. What are the major achievements of AWEIL and how has it performed in terms of revenue growth and product deliverance front?
RC: As AWEIL will be completing three years of its formation in October 2024, we are proud to reflect on our substantial achievements and the remarkable progress we have made in the defence manufacturing sector.
Since our establishment, AWEIL has achieved several significant milestones. We successfully transited to a DPSU from the OFB, which has empowered us to operate with greater flexibility, efficiency, and customer focus.
At AWEIL, we take immense pride in our role as a cornerstone of the Indian defence manufacturing ecosystem and our unwavering commitment to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. It is a matter of pride for me to share that the indigenous content for AWEIL is to the tune of 94 per cent which is one of the highest amongst DPSUs. Our Vision is to make indigenisation level as high as 100 per cent & have zero dependence on imports.
In terms of revenue growth, AWEIL has demonstrated a robust financial performance. AWEIL has achieved the highest revenue growth in last five years (incl. erstwhile OFB period) and achieved INR 2381 crore in last FY 2023-24. We are targeting to double our turnover in next 3-4 years from the current level.
On the product deliverance front, AWEIL has maintained an exemplary track record of meeting and exceeding customer expectations. Since its inception, AWEIL has already delivered Stores worth INR 5100 crore till FY 2023-24. It includes a diverse array of armament solutions, ranging from small arms to large calibre artillery guns systems delivered not only to domestic customers but also in global market through exports. We have been able to receive INR 9480 crore worth order after corporatisation and have order book of approx. INR 10000 crore as on date.
RA: As we are all aware, the Government of India is focusing on defence exports by Indian defence industries. How is AWEIL working on this and what have been AWEIL’s achievements in this context?
RC: I am extremely pleased to say that we are actively expanding our export base in international markets. In a short span of two years and nine months, AWEIL has made its presence in Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa. AWEIL is able to grab 16 export orders of approx. INR 620 crore which include small arms & medium calibre weapons, arty gun spares, ammunition hardware, repair of arty guns and spares of small arms.
AWEIL is effectively penetrating the global defence markets by focussing on competitive prices, promotion and marketing through direct engagement with potential customers, engaging channel partners, participation in domestic and international exhibitions, direct engagement with prospective customers and interaction with foreign OEMs.
RA: What do you think are the core strengths of AWEIL?
RC: AWEIL has a vast experience of manufacturing a large variety of weapons including pistols, revolvers, machine guns, rifles, tank gun articles, air defence guns, naval guns, artillery guns, and ammunition hardware. The state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities are one of our greatest strengths. Our large calibre ordnance manufacturing capability and capacity is very exclusive not only in the country but also globally. We also have a highly skilled and dedicated workforce, and a very capable and competent R&D team which further boost our strength. These strengths in highly leveraged structure of DPSU are poised to grow at very high pace. I have full confidence that with our strengths, AWEIL will be able to achieve our vision which is “To strengthen India’s defence capabilities under Aatmanirbhar Bharat and ensure a larger global presence for ourselves as well as for our nation.”
