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{{short description|Defence Production complex in India}}
{{short description|Defence Production complex in India}}
{{Cleanup bare URLs|date=June 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2015}}
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| logo_size          = 100px
| logo_size          = 100px
| image_size          = 210px
| image_size          = 210px
| foundation          = {{Start date and age|1712||}} <ref>{{cite web|url=http://ddpdoo.gov.in/unit/pages/RFI/our-history1|title=Ordnance Factory Board-History|access-date=10 September 2021}}</ref><ref name="nationalheraldindia.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/corporatisation-of-ordnance-factories-may-lead-to-selective-privatisation-in-the-long-term|title = Corporatisation of ordnance factories may lead to selective privatisation in the long term|date = 5 July 2021}}</ref>
| foundation          = {{Start date and age|1712||}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ddpdoo.gov.in/unit/pages/RFI/our-history1|title=Ordnance Factory Board-History|access-date=10 September 2021}}</ref><ref name="nationalheraldindia.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/corporatisation-of-ordnance-factories-may-lead-to-selective-privatisation-in-the-long-term|title = Corporatisation of ordnance factories may lead to selective privatisation in the long term|date = 5 July 2021}}</ref>
| defunct            = {{End date|2021|10|01|df=yes}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/defence-ministry-issues-order-for-ordnance-factory-board-dissolution/article36707478.ece|title=Defence Ministry issues order for Ordnance Factory Board dissolution|newspaper=The Hindu|date=28 September 2021|access-date=28 September 2021}}</ref>
| defunct            = {{End date|2021|10|01|df=yes}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/defence-ministry-issues-order-for-ordnance-factory-board-dissolution/article36707478.ece|title=Defence Ministry issues order for Ordnance Factory Board dissolution|newspaper=The Hindu|date=28 September 2021|access-date=28 September 2021}}</ref>
| fate = [[Corporatization|Corporatised]]
| fate = [[Corporatization|Corporatised]]
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| location_city      = Ayudh Bhawan, Kolkata
| location_city      = Ayudh Bhawan, Kolkata
| area_served        = Worldwide
| area_served        = Worldwide
| key_people          = E. R. Sheikh, [[IOFS]] <br /> (Director General) <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ofb.gov.in/pages/apex-board|title=Home &#124; Ordnance Factory Board &#124; Government of India|website=ofbindia.gov.in}}</ref>
| key_people          = M. K. Garg, [[IOFS]] <br /> {{small|(Director General)}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ddpdoo.gov.in/pages/apex-board|title=Home &#124; Ordnance Factory Board &#124; Government of India|website=ofbindia.gov.in}}</ref>
| num_employees      = ~80,000<ref name="idsa-india.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.idsa-india.org/an-apr-7.html|title=Trends in Defence Production: Case of Ordnance Factories|access-date=2 July 2015}}</ref>
| num_employees      = ~80,000<ref name="idsa-india.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.idsa-india.org/an-apr-7.html|title=Trends in Defence Production: Case of Ordnance Factories|access-date=2 July 2015}}</ref>
| revenue            =  {{USD|3 billion}} ({{INR|22,389.22 crores}}) <br /> (2020–'21)<ref name="nationalheraldindia.com"/><ref name="ddpmod.gov.in">{{cite web|url=http://ddpmod.gov.in/about-department-defence-production|title=About Department of Defence Production - Department of Defence Production|website=ddpmod.gov.in|access-date=5 May 2017|archive-date=4 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204170746/http://ddpmod.gov.in/about-department-defence-production|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="sipri.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.sipri.org/research/armaments/production/Top100 |title=Archived copy |access-date=2012-05-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524090136/http://www.sipri.org/research/armaments/production/Top100 |archive-date=24 May 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3321340.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=Antony reviews Ordnance Factory Board work | date=2012-04-17}}</ref>
| revenue            =  {{USD|3 billion}} ({{INR|22,389.22 crores}}) <br /> (2020–21)<ref name="nationalheraldindia.com"/><ref name="ddpmod.gov.in">{{cite web|url=http://ddpmod.gov.in/about-department-defence-production|title=About Department of Defence Production - Department of Defence Production|website=ddpmod.gov.in|access-date=5 May 2017|archive-date=4 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204170746/http://ddpmod.gov.in/about-department-defence-production|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="sipri.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.sipri.org/research/armaments/production/Top100 |title=Archived copy |access-date=2012-05-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524090136/http://www.sipri.org/research/armaments/production/Top100 |archive-date=24 May 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3321340.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=Antony reviews Ordnance Factory Board work | date=2012-04-17}}</ref>
| industry            = Defence Production
| industry            = Defence Production
| products            = [[Small arms]], [[List of aircraft weapons|aircraft weapons]], [[anti-aircraft warfare]], [[List of naval weapon systems|naval weapons]], [[anti-ship warfare]], [[anti-submarine warfare]], [[anti-tank warfare]], [[missile]]s, [[Transporter erector launcher|missile launchers]], [[rocket]]s, [[rocket launcher]]s, [[bomb]]s, [[grenade]]s, [[Mortar (weapon)|mortars]], [[Land mine|mines]], [[metals]], [[alloys]], [[machine tools]], [[military vehicle]]s, [[engine]]s, [[Armoured fighting vehicle|armoured vehicle]]s, [[parachute]]s, [[optoelectronics]], [[chemical]]s, [[Military uniform|clothing]], [[artillery]], [[ammunition]], [[propellant]]s, [[explosives]]
| products            = [[Small arms]], [[List of aircraft weapons|aircraft weapons]], [[anti-aircraft warfare]], [[List of naval weapon systems|naval weapons]], [[anti-ship warfare]], [[anti-submarine warfare]], [[anti-tank warfare]], [[missile]]s, [[Transporter erector launcher|missile launchers]], [[rocket]]s, [[rocket launcher]]s, [[bomb]]s, [[grenade]]s, [[Mortar (weapon)|mortars]], [[Land mine|mines]], [[metals]], [[alloys]], [[machine tools]], [[military vehicle]]s, [[engine]]s, [[Armoured fighting vehicle|armoured vehicle]]s, [[parachute]]s, [[optoelectronics]], [[chemical]]s, [[Military uniform|clothing]], [[artillery]], [[ammunition]], [[propellant]]s, [[explosives]]
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}}
}}


'''Ordnance Factory Board''' ('''OFB'''), consisting of the '''Indian Ordnance Factories''', now known as '''Directorate of Ordnance''' ('''Coordination & Services''') was an organisation, under the Department of Defence Production (DDP) of [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] (MoD), [[Government of India]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ddpdoo.gov.in/pages/history|title = History &#124; Directorate of Ordnance (Coordination and Services) &#124; Government of India}}</ref> The 41 Indian Ordnance Factories have been converted into 7 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
'''Ordnance Factory Board''' ('''OFB'''), consisting of the '''Indian Ordnance Factories''', now known as '''Directorate of Ordnance''' ('''Coordination & Services''') was an organisation, under the Department of Defence Production (DDP) of [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] (MoD), [[Government of India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ddpdoo.gov.in/pages/history|title = History &#124; Directorate of Ordnance (Coordination and Services) &#124; Government of India}}</ref> The 41 Indian Ordnance Factories have been converted into 7 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).


OFB was the 37th-largest [[List of defense contractors|defence equipment manufacturer]] in the world, 2nd-largest in [[Asia]], and the largest in [[India]].<ref>https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2018-12/fs_arms_industry_2017_0.pdf</ref> OFB was the world's largest government-operated production organisation,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/Factories+of+graft/1/47422.html|title=Factories of graft|access-date=2 July 2015}}</ref> and the oldest organisation in India.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mod.nic.in/product&supp/welcome.html |title=Ministry of Defence, Govt of India |publisher=Mod.nic.in |access-date=2012-07-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120704170459/http://mod.nic.in/product%26supp/welcome.html |archive-date=4 July 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/of.htm|title=Ordnance Factories|author=John Pike|access-date=2 July 2015}}</ref> It had a total workforce of about 80,000.<ref name="idsa-india.org"/> It was often called the "Fourth Arm of Defence",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mod.nic.in/Samachar/april15-02/html/ch1.htm |title=Two Centuries of Guns and Shells |publisher=Mod.nic.in |access-date=2012-07-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207204324/http://mod.nic.in/Samachar/april15-02/html/ch1.htm |archive-date=7 February 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiadefence.com/OFB.htm|title=WHAT|access-date=2 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034309/http://www.indiadefence.com/OFB.htm|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ofbgcf.nic.in/default.html|title=Gun Carriage Factory|access-date=2 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213735/http://ofbgcf.nic.in/default.html|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the "Force Behind the Armed Forces" of India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ddpdoo.gov.in//pages/about-us |title=About Us - Ordnance Factory Board |publisher=Ordnance Factory Board |access-date=2012-07-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://hal-india.com/othermod.asp|title=Hindustan Aeronautics Limited|access-date=2 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625120459/http://hal-india.com/othermod.asp|archive-date=25 June 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Its total sales were at {{USD|3 billion}} ({{INR|22,389.22 crores}}) in the year 2020–'21.<ref name="nationalheraldindia.com"/>
OFB was the 37th-largest [[List of defense contractors|defence equipment manufacturer]] in the world, 2nd-largest in [[Asia]], and the largest in [[India]].<ref>https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2018-12/fs_arms_industry_2017_0.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref> OFB was the world's largest government-operated production organisation,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/Factories+of+graft/1/47422.html|title=Factories of graft|access-date=2 July 2015}}</ref> and the oldest organisation in India.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mod.nic.in/product&supp/welcome.html |title=Ministry of Defence, Govt of India |publisher=Mod.nic.in |access-date=2012-07-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120704170459/http://mod.nic.in/product%26supp/welcome.html |archive-date=4 July 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/of.htm|title=Ordnance Factories|author=John Pike|access-date=2 July 2015}}</ref> It had a total workforce of about 80,000.<ref name="idsa-india.org"/> It was often called the "Fourth Arm of Defence",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mod.nic.in/Samachar/april15-02/html/ch1.htm |title=Two Centuries of Guns and Shells |publisher=Mod.nic.in |access-date=2012-07-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207204324/http://mod.nic.in/Samachar/april15-02/html/ch1.htm |archive-date=7 February 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiadefence.com/OFB.htm|title=WHAT|access-date=2 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034309/http://www.indiadefence.com/OFB.htm|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ofbgcf.nic.in/default.html|title=Gun Carriage Factory|access-date=2 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213735/http://ofbgcf.nic.in/default.html|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the "Force Behind the Armed Forces" of India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ddpdoo.gov.in//pages/about-us |title=About Us - Ordnance Factory Board |publisher=Ordnance Factory Board |access-date=2012-07-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://hal-india.com/othermod.asp|title=Hindustan Aeronautics Limited|access-date=2 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625120459/http://hal-india.com/othermod.asp|archive-date=25 June 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Its total sales were at {{USD|3 billion}} ({{INR|22,389.22 crores}}) in the year 2020–'21.<ref name="nationalheraldindia.com"/>


It was engaged in research, development, production, testing, marketing and logistics of a product range in the areas of air, land and sea systems. OFB consisted of forty-one ordnance factories, nine training institutes, three regional marketing centres and four regional controllerates of safety, which are spread all across the country.<ref name="OFB Brief">{{cite web|url=https://www.ofb.gov.in/pages/ofb-in-brief|title=OFB in Brief - Ordnance Factory Board|publisher=Ordnance Factory Board|access-date=2 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ofb.gov.in/pages/ofb-in-brief|title=Our Units - Ordnance Factory Board|publisher=Ordnance Factory Board|access-date=2 July 2015}}</ref> Every year, 18 March is celebrated as the Ordnance Factory Day in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehitavada.com/news-details/vfj-celebrates-212th-ordnance-factory-day|title=VFJ celebrates 212th Ordnance Factory Day |publisher=The Hitavada|access-date=2 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703090103/http://www.thehitavada.com/news-details/vfj-celebrates-212th-ordnance-factory-day|archive-date=3 July 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="thehindubusinessline1">{{cite web|author=Our Bureau |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/article3017269.ece |title=Business Line : Industry & Economy News : Ordnance Factory to invest Rs 15,000 cr for modernisation |publisher=Thehindubusinessline.com |access-date=2012-07-17}}</ref>
It was engaged in research, development, production, testing, marketing and logistics of a product range in the areas of air, land and sea systems. OFB consisted of forty-one ordnance factories, nine training institutes, three regional marketing centres and four regional controllerates of safety, which are spread all across the country.<ref name="OFB Brief">{{cite web|url=https://www.ofb.gov.in/pages/ofb-in-brief|title=OFB in Brief - Ordnance Factory Board|publisher=Ordnance Factory Board|access-date=2 July 2015|archive-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029053849/https://www.ofb.gov.in/pages/ofb-in-brief|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ofb.gov.in/pages/ofb-in-brief|title=Our Units - Ordnance Factory Board|publisher=Ordnance Factory Board|access-date=2 July 2015|archive-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029053849/https://www.ofb.gov.in/pages/ofb-in-brief|url-status=dead}}</ref> Every year, 18 March is celebrated as the Ordnance Factory Day in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehitavada.com/news-details/vfj-celebrates-212th-ordnance-factory-day|title=VFJ celebrates 212th Ordnance Factory Day |publisher=The Hitavada|access-date=2 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703090103/http://www.thehitavada.com/news-details/vfj-celebrates-212th-ordnance-factory-day|archive-date=3 July 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="thehindubusinessline1">{{cite web|author=Our Bureau |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/article3017269.ece |title=Business Line : Industry & Economy News : Ordnance Factory to invest Rs 15,000 cr for modernisation |publisher=Thehindubusinessline.com |access-date=2012-07-17}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
=== Origins ===
=== Origins ===
Ordnance Factory Board predates all the other organisations like the [[Indian Army]] and the [[Indian Railways]] by over a century. The first Indian ordnance factory can trace its origins back to the year 1712 when the Dutch [[Ostend Company]] established a Gun Powder Factory in Ichhapur.<ref name="ddpdoo.gov.in">{{Cite web|url=http://ddpdoo.gov.in/unit/pages/RFI/our-history1|title=Our History &#124; RIFLE FACTORY ISHAPORE &#124; Government of India|website=ddpdoo.gov.in}}</ref> In 1787, another [[gunpowder]] factory was established at [[Ichapore]]; it began production in 1791, and the site was later used as a rifle factory, beginning in 1904. In 1801, Gun Carriage Agency (now known as Gun & Shell Factory, Cossipore) was established at [[Cossipore]], Calcutta, and production began on 18 March 1802. This is the oldest ordnance factory in India still in existence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ofb.gov.in/units/index.php?unit=gsf&page=about&lang=en |title=Indian Ordnance Factories: Gun and Shell Factory |publisher=Ofb.gov.in |access-date=2012-07-17}}</ref>
The Indian Ordnance Factories predate all the other organisations like the [[Indian Army]] and the [[Indian Railways]] by over a century. The first Indian ordnance factory can trace its origins back to the year 1712 when the Dutch [[Ostend Company]] established a Gun Powder Factory in Ichhapur.<ref name="ddpdoo.gov.in">{{cite web|url=http://ddpdoo.gov.in/unit/pages/RFI/our-history1|title=Our History &#124; RIFLE FACTORY ISHAPORE &#124; Government of India|website=ddpdoo.gov.in}}</ref> In 1787, another [[gunpowder]] factory was established at [[Ichapore]]; it began production in 1791, and the site was later used as a rifle factory, beginning in 1904. In 1801, Gun Carriage Agency (now known as Gun & Shell Factory, Cossipore) was established at [[Cossipore]], Calcutta, and production began on 18 March 1802. This is the oldest ordnance factory in India still in existence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ofb.gov.in/units/index.php?unit=gsf&page=about&lang=en |title=Indian Ordnance Factories: Gun and Shell Factory |publisher=Ofb.gov.in |access-date=2012-07-17}}</ref>


=== Contributions ===
=== Contributions ===
The Indian Ordnance Factories have not only supported India through the wars, but also played an important role in building India, with the advancement of technology, and have ushered the [[Industrial Revolution]] in India, starting with the [[Iron and steel industry in India|first modern steel, aluminium, copper plants of India]],<ref>http://eprints.nmlindia.org/3774/1/75-80.PDF</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web | url=http://ddpdoo.gov.in/units/MSF | title=Indian Ordnance Factories: Metal and Steel Factory}}</ref> [[Textile industry in India|first modern electric textile mill of India]], [[Chemical industry in India|first chemical industries of India]],<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/040919/dont-privatise-cordite-factory-a-raja-urges-rajnath-singh.html | title=Indian Ordnance Factories: Cordite Factory Aruvankadu| date=4 September 2019}}</ref> established the [[List of Indian engineering colleges before Independence|first engineering colleges of India]], as its training schools,<ref name="educationforallinindia.com">https://www.educationforallinindia.com/1949%20Report%20of%20the%20University%20Education%20Commission.pdf</ref> sparked [[Indian Rebellion of 1857|India's first war of independence in 1857]] with its rifles and bullets,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ddpdoo.gov.in/unit/pages/OFDC/about-us9|title = About Us &#124; Ordnance Factory dumdum &#124; Government of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/bengals-183-year-old-tryst-with-afghans/articleshow/85575590.cms|title = Bengal's 183-year-old tryst with Afghans &#124; Kolkata News - Times of India|website = [[The Times of India]]}}</ref> and also played key role in the founding of research and industrial organisations like [[ISRO]], [[DRDO]], [[Bharat Dynamics Limited|BDL]], [[Bharat Electronics|BEL]], [[BEML]], [[Steel Authority of India Limited|SAIL]], etc.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ddpdoo.gov.in/units/MSF|title=Home &#124; Metal & Steel Factory, Ishapore &#124; Government of India|website=ddpdoo.gov.in}}</ref><ref>https://gsf.gov.in/index.php?id=2&pid=2</ref>
The Indian Ordnance Factories have not only supported India through the wars, but also played an important role in building India, with the advancement of technology, and have ushered the [[Industrial Revolution]] in India, starting with the [[Iron and steel industry in India|first modern steel, aluminium, copper plants of India]],<ref>http://eprints.nmlindia.org/3774/1/75-80.PDF {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web | url=http://ddpdoo.gov.in/units/MSF | title=Indian Ordnance Factories: Metal and Steel Factory}}</ref> [[Textile industry in India|first modern electric textile mill of India]], [[Chemical industry in India|first chemical industries of India]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/040919/dont-privatise-cordite-factory-a-raja-urges-rajnath-singh.html | title=Indian Ordnance Factories: Cordite Factory Aruvankadu| date=4 September 2019}}</ref> established the [[List of Indian engineering colleges before Independence|first engineering colleges of India]], as its training schools,<ref name="educationforallinindia.com">https://www.educationforallinindia.com/1949%20Report%20of%20the%20University%20Education%20Commission.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref> sparked [[Indian Rebellion of 1857|India's first war of independence in 1857]] with its rifles and bullets,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ddpdoo.gov.in/unit/pages/OFDC/about-us9|title = About Us &#124; Ordnance Factory dumdum &#124; Government of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/bengals-183-year-old-tryst-with-afghans/articleshow/85575590.cms|title = Bengal's 183-year-old tryst with Afghans &#124; Kolkata News - Times of India|website = [[The Times of India]]}}</ref> and also played key role in the founding of research and industrial organisations like [[ISRO]], [[DRDO]], [[Bharat Dynamics Limited|BDL]], [[Bharat Electronics|BEL]], [[BEML]], [[Steel Authority of India Limited|SAIL]], etc.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ddpdoo.gov.in/units/MSF|title=Home &#124; Metal & Steel Factory, Ishapore &#124; Government of India|website=ddpdoo.gov.in}}</ref><ref>https://gsf.gov.in/index.php?id=2&pid=2 {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2022}}</ref>


=== Timeline ===
=== Timeline ===
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=== Restructuring OFB into seven PSUs ===
=== Restructuring OFB into seven PSUs ===
On 17 June 2021, the Defence Ministry announced its plans to split the existing five operating divisions of OFB, in addition to parachutes and opto-electronics, into seven PSUs, wholly owned by the government. It was mentioned that all existing factories and employees will become a part of these seven PSUs.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Banerjee|first=Ajay|date=16 June 2021|title=246-year-old Ordnance Factory Board scrapped; 7 new companies to take over|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/246-year-old%C2%A0ordnance-factory-board-scrapped-7-new-companies-to-take-over-269397|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-17|website=Tribune India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-17|title=EXPLAINED: Why 240-Yr-Old Ordnance Factory Board Got The Axe, And What It Means For India's Defence Production|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/explained-why-240-yr-old-ordnance-factory-board-got-the-axe-and-what-it-means-for-indias-defence-production-3859937.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-17|website=www.news18.com|publisher=News18|language=en}}</ref> From 1 October 2021, OFB has been dissolved and all the management, control, operations and maintenance has been transferred to 7 newly formed Defence PSUs, namely:<ref>{{cite news|others=PTI|date=2021-09-28|title=Govt. dissolves Ordnance Factory Board, transfers assets to 7 PSUs|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/govt-dissolves-ordnance-factory-board-transfers-assets-to-7-psus/article36707478.ece|access-date=2021-09-28|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=15 Oct 2021|title=Seven new defence companies carved out of OFB|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1764148#:~:text=of%20the%20country.-,The%20seven%20new%20Defence%20companies%20are%3A%20Munitions%20India%20Limited%20(MIL,Gliders%20India%20Limited%20(GIL).|url-status=live|access-date=15 Oct 2021|website=Press Information Bureau|language=en}}</ref>
On 17 June 2021, the Defence Ministry announced its plans to split the existing five operating divisions of OFB, in addition to parachutes and opto-electronics, into seven PSUs, wholly owned by the government. It was mentioned that all existing factories and employees will become a part of these seven PSUs.<ref>{{cite web|last=Banerjee|first=Ajay|date=16 June 2021|title=246-year-old Ordnance Factory Board scrapped; 7 new companies to take over|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/246-year-old%C2%A0ordnance-factory-board-scrapped-7-new-companies-to-take-over-269397|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-17|website=Tribune India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2021-06-17|title=EXPLAINED: Why 240-Yr-Old Ordnance Factory Board Got The Axe, And What It Means For India's Defence Production|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/explained-why-240-yr-old-ordnance-factory-board-got-the-axe-and-what-it-means-for-indias-defence-production-3859937.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-17|website=www.news18.com|publisher=News18|language=en}}</ref> From 1 October 2021, OFB has been dissolved and all the management, control, operations and maintenance has been transferred to 7 newly formed Defence PSUs, namely:<ref>{{cite news|others=PTI|date=2021-09-28|title=Govt. dissolves Ordnance Factory Board, transfers assets to 7 PSUs|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/govt-dissolves-ordnance-factory-board-transfers-assets-to-7-psus/article36707478.ece|access-date=2021-09-28|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=15 Oct 2021|title=Seven new defence companies carved out of OFB|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1764148#:~:text=of%20the%20country.-,The%20seven%20new%20Defence%20companies%20are%3A%20Munitions%20India%20Limited%20(MIL,Gliders%20India%20Limited%20(GIL).|url-status=live|access-date=15 Oct 2021|website=Press Information Bureau|language=en}}</ref>


*[[Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited]] (AWE)
*[[Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited]] (AWE)
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*[[Yantra India Limited]] (YIL)
*[[Yantra India Limited]] (YIL)


The new companies were launched and dedicated to the nation on 15 October 2021 by [[Prime Minister of India]], Narendra Modi.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=15 October 2021|title=OFB dissolved: The 7 new companies inaugurated by PM Modi on Dussehra|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ordnance-factory-board-dissolved-here-are-7-new-defence-companies-launched-by-pm-modi-on-dussehra-101634284729696.html|newspaper=Hindustan Times}}</ref>
The new companies were launched and dedicated to the nation on 15 October 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=15 October 2021|title=OFB dissolved: The 7 new companies inaugurated by PM Modi on Dussehra|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ordnance-factory-board-dissolved-here-are-7-new-defence-companies-launched-by-pm-modi-on-dussehra-101634284729696.html|newspaper=Hindustan Times}}</ref>


== Infrastructure and leadership of OFB==
== Infrastructure and leadership of OFB==
[[File:Kolkata Military Secretariat.jpg|thumb|OFB's office at Esplanade, Kolkata <ref>{{Cite web | url=http://dgaeroqa.gov.in/rd-kolkata.htm |title = Office of the Regional Director, AQA, DGAQA, KOLKATA}}</ref><ref>http://www.ciaof.nic.in/audit/orders&circ/alliedEstt/Delegation%20of%20powers%20to%20the%20General%20Managers.pdf</ref><ref>{{Cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qmc7oIo72wwC&q=ordnance+factory+esplanade&pg=PA569 |title = Directory of Libraries in India,2 Vols|isbn = 9788171569854|last1 = Gupta|first1 = Ed. K. R.|year = 2001}}</ref>]]
[[File:Kolkata Military Secretariat.jpg|thumb|OFB's office at Esplanade, Kolkata <ref>{{cite web | url=http://dgaeroqa.gov.in/rd-kolkata.htm |title = Office of the Regional Director, AQA, DGAQA, KOLKATA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ciaof.nic.in/audit/orders%26circ/alliedEstt/Delegation%20of%20powers%20to%20the%20General%20Managers.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=14 July 2022 |archive-date=5 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205025006/http://www.ciaof.nic.in/audit/orders%26circ/alliedEstt/Delegation%20of%20powers%20to%20the%20General%20Managers.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qmc7oIo72wwC&q=ordnance+factory+esplanade&pg=PA569 |title = Directory of Libraries in India,2 Vols|isbn = 9788171569854|last1 = Gupta|first1 = Ed. K. R.|year = 2001}}</ref>]]


=== Headquarters ===
=== Headquarters ===
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! Factory !! Location !! State !! Defence PSU  
! Factory !! Location !! State !! Defence PSU  
|-
|-
| Ammunition Factory Khadki (AFK) || [[Pune]] || Maharashtra || [[Munitions India Limited]]
| Ammunition Factory, Khadki (AFK) || [[Pune]] || Maharashtra || [[Munitions India Limited]]
|-
|-
| Cordite Factory Aruvankadu (CFA) || [[Aruvankadu]] || Tamil Nadu || [[Munitions India Limited]]
| Cordite Factory, Aruvankadu (CFA) || [[Aruvankadu]] || Tamil Nadu || [[Munitions India Limited]]
|-
|-
| Engine Factory Avadi (EFA) ||  [[Chennai]] || Tamil Nadu || [[Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited]]
| Engine Factory, Avadi (EFA) ||  [[Chennai]] || Tamil Nadu || [[Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited]]
|-
|-
| [[Field Gun Factory, Kanpur]] (FGK) || [[Kanpur]] || Uttar Pradesh || [[Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited]]
| [[Field Gun Factory, Kanpur]] (FGK) || [[Kanpur]] || Uttar Pradesh || [[Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited]]
|-
|-
| [[Gun Carriage Factory Jabalpur]] (GCF) || [[Jabalpur]] || Madhya Pradesh || [[Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited]]
| [[Gun Carriage Factory, Jabalpur]] (GCF) || [[Jabalpur]] || Madhya Pradesh || [[Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited]]
|-
|-
| Grey Iron Foundry (GIF) || [[Jabalpur]] || Madhya Pradesh || [[Yantra India Limited]]
| Grey Iron Foundry (GIF) || [[Jabalpur]] || Madhya Pradesh || [[Yantra India Limited]]
|-
|-
| Gun and Shell Factory (GSF) || [[Kolkata]] || West Bengal || [[Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited]]
| Gun and Shell Factory, Cossipore (GSF) || [[Kolkata]] || West Bengal || [[Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited]]
|-
|-
| [[Heavy Alloy Penetrator Project]] (HAPP) || [[Tiruchirappalli]] || Tamil Nadu || [[Munitions India Limited]]
| [[Heavy Alloy Penetrator Project]] (HAPP) || [[Tiruchirappalli]] || Tamil Nadu || [[Munitions India Limited]]
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| Machine Tool Prototype Factory Ambernath (MPF) ||[[Mumbai]] || Maharashtra || [[Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited]]
| Machine Tool Prototype Factory Ambernath (MPF) ||[[Mumbai]] || Maharashtra || [[Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited]]
|-
|-
| Metal and Steel Factory  (MSF)|| [[Kolkata]] || West Bengal || [[Yantra India Limited]]
| Metal and Steel Factory  (MSF)|| [[Ishapore]] || West Bengal || [[Yantra India Limited]]
|-
|-
| [[Ordnance Clothing Factory]] Avadi  (OCFAV)|| [[Chennai]] || Tamil Nadu || [[Troop Comforts Limited]]
| [[Ordnance Clothing Factory]] Avadi  (OCFAV)|| [[Chennai]] || Tamil Nadu || [[Troop Comforts Limited]]
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| Ordnance Parachute Factory  (OPF) ||  [[Kanpur]] || Uttar Pradesh || [[Gliders India Limited]]
| Ordnance Parachute Factory  (OPF) ||  [[Kanpur]] || Uttar Pradesh || [[Gliders India Limited]]
|-
|-
| [[Rifle Factory Ishapore]]  (RFI) || [[Kolkata]] || West Bengal  || [[Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited]]
| [[Rifle Factory Ishapore]]  (RFI) || [[Ishapore]] || West Bengal  || [[Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited]]
|-
|-
| Small Arms Factory (SAF) || [[Kanpur]] || Uttar Pradesh || [[Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited]]
| Small Arms Factory (SAF) || [[Kanpur]] || Uttar Pradesh || [[Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited]]
|-
|-
| [[Vehicle Factory Jabalpur]] (VFJ) || [[Jabalpur]] || Madhya Pradesh || [[Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited]]
| [[Vehicle Factory Jabalpur]] (VFJ) || [[Jabalpur]] || Madhya Pradesh || [[Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited]]
|-
|}
|}


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* [[Indo-Russia Rifles|Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), Amethi]]
* [[Indo-Russia Rifles|Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), Amethi]]


A joint venture between Ordnance Factory Board (50.5%), [[Kalashnikov Concern]] (42%) and [[Rosoboronexport|Rosonboronexport]] (7.5%) established to produce AK-203 (7.62×39mm) assault rifles intended for Indian Security Forces.<ref>{{Cite web|title=PM Modi inaugurates Indo-Russian joint venture, which will end Army's long quest for rifles|date=3 March 2019|url=https://theprint.in/defence/pm-modi-inaugurates-indo-russian-joint-venture-which-will-end-armys-long-quest-for-rifles/200792/|url-status=live}}</ref>
A joint venture between Ordnance Factory Board (50.5%), [[Kalashnikov Concern]] (42%) and [[Rosoboronexport|Rosonboronexport]] (7.5%) established to produce AK-203 (7.62×39mm) assault rifles intended for Indian Security Forces.<ref>{{cite web|title=PM Modi inaugurates Indo-Russian joint venture, which will end Army's long quest for rifles|date=3 March 2019|url=https://theprint.in/defence/pm-modi-inaugurates-indo-russian-joint-venture-which-will-end-armys-long-quest-for-rifles/200792/|url-status=live}}</ref>


== Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS) ==
== Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS) ==
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The '''[[Indian Ordnance Factories Service]]''' ('''[[IOFS]]''') is a civil service of the Government of India. IOFS officers are [[Gazetted Officer (India)|Gazetted]] (Group A) defence-civilian officers under the Ministry of Defence.
The '''[[Indian Ordnance Factories Service]]''' ('''[[IOFS]]''') is a civil service of the Government of India. IOFS officers are [[Gazetted Officer (India)|Gazetted]] (Group A) defence-civilian officers under the Ministry of Defence.


IOFS is a multi-disciplinary composite cadre consisting of technical – engineers ([[Civil engineering|civil]], [[Electrical engineering|electrical]], [[Mechanical engineering|mechanical]], [[Electronics engineering|electronics]]), technologists ([[Aerospace engineering|aerospace]], [[Automotive engineering|automotive]], [[Marine engineering|marine]], [[Industrial design|industrial/product design]], [[Computer engineering|computer]], [[Nuclear engineering|nuclear]], [[Optical engineering|optical]], [[Chemical engineering|chemical]], [[Metallurgical Engineering|metallurgical]], [[Textile engineering|textile]], [[leather]]) and non-technical/administrative ([[Science education|science]], [[Legal education|law]], [[commerce]], [[Management Education|management]] and [[Liberal arts education|arts]] graduates). Technical posts account for about 87% of the total cadre. The doctors ([[surgeons]] and [[physicians]]) serving in OFB belong to a separate service known as the '''Indian Ordnance Factories Health Service''' ('''IOFHS'''). IOFHS officers are responsible for the maintenance of health of the employees, and the hospitals of OFB. They report directly to the IOFS officers. IOFS and IOFHS are the only two civil services under the Department of Defence Production.<ref>http://www.persmin.nic.in/DOPT/CSWing/CRDivision/Mail%20List%20of%20Secretaries.htm</ref>
IOFS is a multi-disciplinary composite cadre consisting of technical – engineers ([[Civil engineering|civil]], [[Electrical engineering|electrical]], [[Mechanical engineering|mechanical]], [[Electronics engineering|electronics]]), technologists ([[Aerospace engineering|aerospace]], [[Automotive engineering|automotive]], [[Marine engineering|marine]], [[Industrial design|industrial/product design]], [[Computer engineering|computer]], [[Nuclear engineering|nuclear]], [[Optical engineering|optical]], [[Chemical engineering|chemical]], [[Metallurgical Engineering|metallurgical]], [[Textile engineering|textile]], [[leather]]) and non-technical/administrative ([[Science education|science]], [[Legal education|law]], [[commerce]], [[Management Education|management]] and [[Liberal arts education|arts]] graduates). Technical posts account for about 87% of the total cadre. The doctors ([[surgeons]] and [[physicians]]) serving in OFB belong to a separate service known as the '''Indian Ordnance Factories Health Service''' ('''IOFHS'''). IOFHS officers are responsible for the maintenance of health of the employees, and the hospitals of OFB. They report directly to the IOFS officers. IOFS and IOFHS are the only two civil services under the Department of Defence Production.<ref>http://www.persmin.nic.in/DOPT/CSWing/CRDivision/Mail%20List%20of%20Secretaries.htm {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2022}}</ref>


== Products ==
== Products ==
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* [[IOF .32 revolver]] (7.65&nbsp;mm X 23)
* [[IOF .32 revolver]] (7.65&nbsp;mm X 23)
* [[Nirbheek|IOF .32 revolver Nirbheek]]
* [[Nirbheek|IOF .32 revolver Nirbheek]]
* [[Ashani pistol|IOF .32 Pistol Ashani]]
* [[Ashani pistol|IOF .32 pistol Ashani]]
* [[IOF .22 Sporting Rifle]]
* [[IOF .22 sporting rifle]]
* [[IOF .315 Sporting Rifle]]
* [[IOF .315 sporting rifle]]
* [[IOF.30-06 Sporting Rifle]]
* [[IOF .30-06 sporting rifle]]


==== Ammunition ====
==== Ammunition ====
* Cartridge Rimfire .22" Ball
* Cartridge Rimfire .22" Ball
* Cartridge SA .32" Revolver
* Cartridge SA .32" Revolver
* Cartridge SA .315" and 30 06 Ball
* Cartridge SA .315" and .30-06 Ball
* Cartridge SA 12 Bore 70mm
* Cartridge SA 12 Bore 70mm
* Cartridge SA 12 Bore 65&nbsp;mm Special
* Cartridge SA 12 Bore 65&nbsp;mm Special
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|align=center
|align=center
|File:Anti-G Suit MSF830.jpg| g-suits for Indian Air Force pilots flying the supersonic aircraft
|File:Anti-G Suit MSF830.jpg| g-suits for Indian Air Force pilots flying the supersonic aircraft
|File:The-new-bulletproof-vest-is-superior-to-the-one-it-replaces.jpg|Bulletproof vests
||Bulletproof vests
|File:The Air Officer Commanding-In-Chief, Western Command, IAF, Air Marshal NAK Browne AVSM VM paying tribute to the war heroes by laying wreath at Siachen War Memorial, during his visit to Siachen Base Camp.jpg|High-altitude, low-temperature, waterproof combat uniforms
|File:The Air Officer Commanding-In-Chief, Western Command, IAF, Air Marshal NAK Browne AVSM VM paying tribute to the war heroes by laying wreath at Siachen War Memorial, during his visit to Siachen Base Camp.jpg|High-altitude, low-temperature, waterproof combat uniforms
|File:Soldier CBRN.jpg|Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) suit
|File:Soldier CBRN.jpg|Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) suit
Line 333: Line 333:
|File:Mi-35 Hind Akbar.jpg|IAF Hind Akbar's rockets, bombs and armaments
|File:Mi-35 Hind Akbar.jpg|IAF Hind Akbar's rockets, bombs and armaments
|File:SU-30MKI-g4sp - edit 2(clipped).jpg|IAF Su-30MKI's rockets, bombs, missiles, armaments and parachutes
|File:SU-30MKI-g4sp - edit 2(clipped).jpg|IAF Su-30MKI's rockets, bombs, missiles, armaments and parachutes
|File:Tejas MK1.jpg|Tejas uses armaments such as OFT's 23&nbsp;mm Ghasha Aviation Gun and bombs
|File:Tejas MK1.jpg|Tejas uses armaments such as OFT's 23&nbsp;mm GSh-23 Cannon and bombs
|File:HAL Rudra at Aero India 2013.JPG|IA Rudra's anti-tank, air-to-air and anti-ship missiles, rockets and torpedoes
|File:HAL Rudra at Aero India 2013.JPG|IA Rudra's anti-tank, air-to-air and anti-ship missiles, rockets and torpedoes
}}
}}
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== Notable employees ==
== Notable employees ==
* [[Narinder Singh Kapany]] – Former [[IOFS]] officer. Invented [[fibre optics]] that revolutionised laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery, telecommunications, power transmission, etc. Named as one of the seven "Unsung Heroes of the 20th century" by [[Fortune magazine]] for his [[Nobel Prize]]-deserving invention.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.rediff.com/report/2009/oct/08/how-india-missed-another-nobel-prize.htm|title=How India missed another Nobel Prize|website=Rediff.com|access-date=22 August 2017}}</ref>  Known as the "Father of Fibre Optics" and "The Man who Bent Light".<ref name="tribuneindia.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20001118/windows/main1.htm|title=The Tribune – Windows – Main Feature|website=Tribuneindia.com|access-date=22 August 2017}}</ref>  Former Professor at [[Stanford]], Universities of California at [[University of California, Berkeley|Berkeley]], [[University of California, Santa Barbara|Santa Barbara]] and [[University of California, Santa Cruz|Santa Cruz]]. Had more than 150 patents to his credit.<ref name="tribuneindia.com"/> Conferred upon with [[Padma Vibhushan]], the second-highest honour in India, [[Pravasi Bharatiya Samman]], [[FREng|Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng)]]. He was also offered the post of Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister of India, by the first Prime Minister of India, [[Jawaharlal Nehru]]. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/narinder-singh-kapany-how-a-job-in-jawaharlal-nehrus-team-eluded-father-of-optics-2647753|title=How A Job In Jawaharlal Nehru's Team Eluded "Father Of Optics"|website=NDTV.com}}</ref>
* [[Narinder Singh Kapany]] – Former [[IOFS]] officer. Invented [[fibre optics]] that revolutionised laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery, telecommunications, power transmission, etc. Named as one of the seven "Unsung Heroes of the 20th century" by [[Fortune magazine]] for his [[Nobel Prize]]-deserving invention.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.rediff.com/report/2009/oct/08/how-india-missed-another-nobel-prize.htm|title=How India missed another Nobel Prize|website=Rediff.com|access-date=22 August 2017}}</ref>  Known as the "Father of Fibre Optics" and "The Man who Bent Light".<ref name="tribuneindia.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20001118/windows/main1.htm|title=The Tribune – Windows – Main Feature|website=Tribuneindia.com|access-date=22 August 2017}}</ref>  Former Professor at [[Stanford]], Universities of California at [[University of California, Berkeley|Berkeley]], [[University of California, Santa Barbara|Santa Barbara]] and [[University of California, Santa Cruz|Santa Cruz]]. Had more than 150 patents to his credit.<ref name="tribuneindia.com"/> Conferred upon with [[Padma Vibhushan]], the second-highest honour in India, [[Pravasi Bharatiya Samman]], [[FREng|Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng)]]. He was also offered the post of [[DRDS|Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister of India]], by the first Prime Minister of India, [[Jawaharlal Nehru]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/narinder-singh-kapany-how-a-job-in-jawaharlal-nehrus-team-eluded-father-of-optics-2647753|title=How A Job In Jawaharlal Nehru's Team Eluded "Father Of Optics"|website=NDTV.com}}</ref>
* [[Nalini Ranjan Mohanty]] - Former [[Indian Ordnance Factories Service|IOFS]] officer. Secured All India 2nd Rank in the Engineering Services Examination of 1965, served as the Chairman & Managing Director of [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]], Director of [[Kudremukh Iron Ore Company]], [[Mahanadi Coalfields]], [[National Aluminium Company|National Aluminium Company (NALCO)]], [[Bharat Earth Movers|Bharat Earth Movers (BEML)]]. Awarded [[Padma Shri]] in 2004 by the [[Government of India]] for his role in the development of [[HAL Tejas|LCA – Tejas]].
* [[Nalini Ranjan Mohanty]] - Former [[Indian Ordnance Factories Service|IOFS]] officer. Secured All India 2nd Rank in the Engineering Services Examination of 1965, served as the Chairman & Managing Director of [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]], Director of [[Kudremukh Iron Ore Company]], [[Mahanadi Coalfields]], [[National Aluminium Company|National Aluminium Company (NALCO)]], [[Bharat Earth Movers|Bharat Earth Movers (BEML)]]. Awarded [[Padma Shri]] in 2004 by the [[Government of India]] for his role in the development of [[HAL Tejas|LCA – Tejas]].
*[[Brijmohan Lall Munjal]] - Founder of [[Hero MotoCorp]], the world's largest two-wheeler manufacturer, and [[Hero Cycles]], world's largest cycle manufacturer. Awarded [[Padma Bhushan]].
*[[Brijmohan Lall Munjal]] - Founder of [[Hero MotoCorp]], the world's largest two-wheeler manufacturer, and [[Hero Cycles]], world's largest cycle manufacturer. Awarded [[Padma Bhushan]].
* [[H. P. S. Ahluwalia]] – [[IOFS]]. First Indian to climb [[Mount Everest]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/may/31/youngest-everest-climber-meets-first-indian-who-scaled-the-peak.htm|title=Youngest and first: Indian Everest conquerors meet|website=Rediff.com|access-date=22 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/first-indian-group-to-scale-mt-everest-feted_1576035.html|title=First Indian group to scale Mt Everest feted|date=9 April 2015|website=Zeenews.india.com|access-date=22 August 2017}}</ref>  Author, mountaineer, social worker. Founder & Chairman of Indian Spinal Injuries Centre. Conferred on with the [[Arjuna Award]], [[Padma Shri]] and [[Padma Bhushan]] by the Government of India, [[Royal Geographical Society|Fellowship of Royal Geographical Society (FRGS)]]. Also served as a Commissioned officer in the [[Indian Army]] and Member of [[Planning Commission (India)]].
* [[H. P. S. Ahluwalia]] – [[IOFS]]. First Indian to climb [[Mount Everest]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/may/31/youngest-everest-climber-meets-first-indian-who-scaled-the-peak.htm|title=Youngest and first: Indian Everest conquerors meet|website=Rediff.com|access-date=22 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/first-indian-group-to-scale-mt-everest-feted_1576035.html|title=First Indian group to scale Mt Everest feted|date=9 April 2015|website=Zeenews.india.com|access-date=22 August 2017}}</ref>  Author, mountaineer, social worker. Founder & Chairman of Indian Spinal Injuries Centre. Conferred on with the [[Arjuna Award]], [[Padma Shri]] and [[Padma Bhushan]] by the Government of India, [[Royal Geographical Society|Fellowship of Royal Geographical Society (FRGS)]]. Also served as a Commissioned officer in the [[Indian Army]] and Member of [[Planning Commission (India)]].
* [[Santu Shahaney]] - IOFS. Served as the Director General Ordnance Factories (DGOF). He was awarded [[Padma Shri]] in 1962, and [[Padma Bhushan]] in 1965, by the [[Government of India]], in the Civil Service category, for his contributions during the [[Sino-Indian War|Indo-China War of 1962]] and the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]], respectively.<ref name="mha.gov.in">https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/Year_Wise_main_25042017_0.pdf</ref>
* [[Santu Shahaney]] - IOFS. Served as the Director General Ordnance Factories (DGOF). He was awarded [[Padma Shri]] in 1962, and [[Padma Bhushan]] in 1965, by the [[Government of India]], in the Civil Service category, for his contributions during the [[Sino-Indian War|Indo-China War of 1962]] and the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]], respectively.<ref name="mha.gov.in">https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/Year_Wise_main_25042017_0.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref>
* [[R. M. Muzumdar]] - Second Indian Director General of the Indian Ordnance Factories.  He was awarded the [[Padma Bhushan]] by the Government of India, in 1973, in the Civil service category, for his contributions during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]
* [[R. M. Muzumdar]] - IOFS. Second Indian Director General of the Indian Ordnance Factories.  He was awarded the [[Padma Bhushan]] by the Government of India, in 1973, in the Civil service category, for his contributions during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]
* [[Waman Dattatreya Patwardhan]] - IOFS officer. Developed the solid propellant for India's first space rocket launched from Thumba, and the detonation system of India's first nuclear bomb used in [[Operation Smiling Buddha]]. Served at the Ammunition Factory Khadki, and as the first Director of [[High Energy Materials Research Laboratory]] (HEMRL) and the [[Armaments Research and Development Establishment]] (ARDE) of the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO). Awarded [[Padma Shri]] in 1974.
* [[Waman Dattatreya Patwardhan]] - IOFS officer. Developed the solid propellant for India's first space rocket launched from Thumba, and the detonation system of India's first nuclear bomb used in [[Operation Smiling Buddha]]. Served at the Ammunition Factory Khadki, and as the first Director of [[High Energy Materials Research Laboratory]] (HEMRL) and the [[Armaments Research and Development Establishment]] (ARDE) of the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO). Awarded [[Padma Shri]] in 1974.
* [[H. G. S. Murthy]] - IOFS. Known as one of the "Seven Pioneers of the Indian Space Programme".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/slidesowdev/flashback-indian-space-stalwarts-though-the-years/photostory/65501656.cms|title = Indian space stalwarts though the years|website = [[The Times of India]]|date = 22 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2015/jul/29/Among-the-Seven-Pioneers-787617.html|title = Among the Seven Pioneers}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-i-m-proud-that-i-recommended-him-for-isro-ev-chitnis-2109096|title=I'm proud that I recommended him for ISRO: EV Chitnis|website=DNA India}}</ref> He served at the Machine Tool Prototype Factory (MTPF), Ambernath, and as the first Director of the [[Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station |Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS)]], and the Space Science & Technology Centre, now known as the [[Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre]], of the [[Indian Space Research Organisation|Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)]]. Awarded [[Padma Shri]] in 1969.<ref name="mha.gov.in"/>
* [[H. G. S. Murthy]] - IOFS. Known as one of the "Seven Pioneers of the Indian Space Programme".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/slidesowdev/flashback-indian-space-stalwarts-though-the-years/photostory/65501656.cms|title = Indian space stalwarts though the years|website = [[The Times of India]]|date = 22 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2015/jul/29/Among-the-Seven-Pioneers-787617.html|title = Among the Seven Pioneers}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-i-m-proud-that-i-recommended-him-for-isro-ev-chitnis-2109096|title=I'm proud that I recommended him for ISRO: EV Chitnis|website=DNA India}}</ref> He served at the Machine Tool Prototype Factory (MTPF), Ambernath, and as the first Director of the [[Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station |Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS)]], and the Space Science & Technology Centre, now known as the [[Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre]], of the [[Indian Space Research Organisation|Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)]]. Awarded [[Padma Shri]] in 1969.<ref name="mha.gov.in"/>
*K. C. Banerjee - IOFS. Received [[Padma Shri]] in 1967, for his contributions during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]], as the General Manager of [[Rifle Factory Ishapore]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (Public Section) Padma Awards Directory (1954-2017) Year-Wise List|url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/Year_Wise_main_25042017_0.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=July 11, 2021|website=www.mha.gov.in}}</ref>  that developed and manufactured the [[L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle|7.62 Self-Loading Automatic Rifle]], that played decisive role in India's victory in the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/the-rifle-that-won-the-war-in-1965/articleshow/49327325.cms|title=The rifle that won the war in 1965 &#124; India News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/at-200-yr-old-ordnance-factories-anxiety-anticipation-and-some-sulk/articleshow/71613086.cms|title=At India's 200-year-old ordnance factories, anxiety and anticipation &#124; India News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>http://rfi.nic.in/Milestones.html</ref><ref>https://ofb.gov.in/unit/pages/RFI/our-history1</ref>
*K. C. Banerjee - IOFS. Received [[Padma Shri]] in 1967, for his contributions during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]], as the General Manager of [[Rifle Factory Ishapore]],<ref>{{cite web|title=MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (Public Section) Padma Awards Directory (1954-2017) Year-Wise List|url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/Year_Wise_main_25042017_0.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=July 11, 2021|website=www.mha.gov.in}}</ref>  that developed and manufactured the [[L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle|7.62 Self-Loading Automatic Rifle]], that played decisive role in India's victory in the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/the-rifle-that-won-the-war-in-1965/articleshow/49327325.cms|title=The rifle that won the war in 1965 &#124; India News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/at-200-yr-old-ordnance-factories-anxiety-anticipation-and-some-sulk/articleshow/71613086.cms|title=At India's 200-year-old ordnance factories, anxiety and anticipation &#124; India News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://rfi.nic.in/Milestones.html |title=Important Milestones |publisher=Rfi.nic.in |date= |accessdate=2022-08-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://ofb.gov.in/unit/pages/RFI/our-history1 |title=Our History &#124; RIFLE FACTORY ISHAPORE &#124; Government of India |access-date=21 September 2021 |archive-date=22 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222151343/https://ofb.gov.in/unit/pages/RFI/our-history1 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[O. P. Bahl]] - Served as an IOFS officer. Former Additional Director General Ordnance Factories and Member of the Ordnance Factory Board. Received [[Padma Shri]], in 1972 in the civil-service category for his efforts during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.india.gov.in/myindia/padmashri_awards_list1.php?start=1810|title=Padma Shri Awardees|website=Government of India|access-date=17 October 2019}}</ref>
*[[O. P. Bahl]], an [[IOFS]] officer. Received [[Padma Shri]] in 1972, in the civil-service category, as the General Manager of [[Ammunition Factory Khadki]], which developed and manufactured the [[Anti-submarine missile|anti-submarine rockets]] used in sinking the submarine [[PNS Ghazi]] during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.india.gov.in/myindia/padmashri_awards_list1.php?start=1810|title=Padma Shri Awardees|website=Government of India|access-date=17 October 2019}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==

Latest revision as of 02:20, 7 December 2022


Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), consisting of the Indian Ordnance Factories, now known as Directorate of Ordnance (Coordination & Services) was an organisation, under the Department of Defence Production (DDP) of Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India.[9] The 41 Indian Ordnance Factories have been converted into 7 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).

Ordnance Factory Board
IndustryDefence Production
FateCorporatised
Successors
Founded1712; 313 years ago (1712)[1][2]
Defunct1 October 2021 (2021-10-01)[3]
Headquarters
Ayudh Bhawan, Kolkata
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
M. K. Garg, IOFS
(Director General)[4]
ProductsSmall arms, aircraft weapons, anti-aircraft warfare, naval weapons, anti-ship warfare, anti-submarine warfare, anti-tank warfare, missiles, missile launchers, rockets, rocket launchers, bombs, grenades, mortars, mines, metals, alloys, machine tools, military vehicles, engines, armoured vehicles, parachutes, optoelectronics, chemicals, clothing, artillery, ammunition, propellants, explosives
RevenueUS$3 billion (₹22,389.22 crores)
(2020–21)[2][5][6][7]
Number of employees
~80,000[8]
Websitewww.ofb.gov.in

OFB was the 37th-largest defence equipment manufacturer in the world, 2nd-largest in Asia, and the largest in India.[10] OFB was the world's largest government-operated production organisation,[11] and the oldest organisation in India.[12][13] It had a total workforce of about 80,000.[8] It was often called the "Fourth Arm of Defence",[14][15][16] and the "Force Behind the Armed Forces" of India.[17][18] Its total sales were at US$3 billion (₹22,389.22 crores) in the year 2020–'21.[2]

It was engaged in research, development, production, testing, marketing and logistics of a product range in the areas of air, land and sea systems. OFB consisted of forty-one ordnance factories, nine training institutes, three regional marketing centres and four regional controllerates of safety, which are spread all across the country.[19][20] Every year, 18 March is celebrated as the Ordnance Factory Day in India.[21][22]

HistoryEdit

OriginsEdit

The Indian Ordnance Factories predate all the other organisations like the Indian Army and the Indian Railways by over a century. The first Indian ordnance factory can trace its origins back to the year 1712 when the Dutch Ostend Company established a Gun Powder Factory in Ichhapur.[23] In 1787, another gunpowder factory was established at Ichapore; it began production in 1791, and the site was later used as a rifle factory, beginning in 1904. In 1801, Gun Carriage Agency (now known as Gun & Shell Factory, Cossipore) was established at Cossipore, Calcutta, and production began on 18 March 1802. This is the oldest ordnance factory in India still in existence.[24]

ContributionsEdit

The Indian Ordnance Factories have not only supported India through the wars, but also played an important role in building India, with the advancement of technology, and have ushered the Industrial Revolution in India, starting with the first modern steel, aluminium, copper plants of India,[25][26] first modern electric textile mill of India, first chemical industries of India,[27] established the first engineering colleges of India, as its training schools,[28] sparked India's first war of independence in 1857 with its rifles and bullets,[29][30] and also played key role in the founding of research and industrial organisations like ISRO, DRDO, BDL, BEL, BEML, SAIL, etc.[31][32]

TimelineEdit

  • 1712 – Establishment of the Dutch Ostend Company's Gun Powder Factory at Ichhapur.[23]
  • 1775 – Establishment of the Board of Ordnance at Fort William, Kolkata.
  • 1787 – Establishment of the Gun Powder Factory at Ishapore.
  • 1791 – Production of Gun Powder begins at Ishapore.
  • 1801 – Establishment of Gun Carriage Agency at Cossipore, Kolkata.
  • 1802 – Production begins at Cossipore on 18 March.
  • 1935 – Indian Ordnance Service was introduced to administer the whole Defence Production Industry of India.
  • 1954 – Indian Ordnance Service (IOS) renamed to Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS).
  • 1979 – Ordnance Factory Board is established on 2 April.

Restructuring OFB into seven PSUsEdit

On 17 June 2021, the Defence Ministry announced its plans to split the existing five operating divisions of OFB, in addition to parachutes and opto-electronics, into seven PSUs, wholly owned by the government. It was mentioned that all existing factories and employees will become a part of these seven PSUs.[33][34] From 1 October 2021, OFB has been dissolved and all the management, control, operations and maintenance has been transferred to 7 newly formed Defence PSUs, namely:[35][36]

The new companies were launched and dedicated to the nation on 15 October 2021.[37]

Infrastructure and leadership of OFBEdit

 
OFB's office at Esplanade, Kolkata [38][39][40]

HeadquartersEdit

  • Ordnance Factory Board, Kolkata
  • Armoured Vehicles Headquarters, Chennai
  • Ordnance Equipment Factories Headquarters, Kanpur
  • Ordnance Factory Board, New Delhi Office
  • Ordnance Factory Cell, Mumbai
  • Ordnance Factories Recruitment Centre, Nagpur

Apex BoardEdit

The Apex Board was headed by the Director General of Ordnance Factories (DGOF), who acts as the Chairman of the board (ex officio Secretary to Government of India) and consisted of nine other members, who each held the rank of Additional DGOF. Ordnance factories were divided into five operating divisions, depending upon the type of the main products/technologies employed. These were:

  • Ammunition and Explosives
  • Weapons, Vehicles & Equipment
  • Materials and Components
  • Armoured Vehicles
  • Ordnance Equipment Group of Factories

Each of the above group of factories was headed by a Member/Additional DGOF who was in the rank of Special Secretary to Government of India. The four remaining members were responsible for staff functions, viz personnel, finance, planning and material management, and technical services, and they operated from Kolkata.

Ordnance factoriesEdit

Factory Location State Defence PSU
Ammunition Factory, Khadki (AFK) Pune Maharashtra Munitions India Limited
Cordite Factory, Aruvankadu (CFA) Aruvankadu Tamil Nadu Munitions India Limited
Engine Factory, Avadi (EFA) Chennai Tamil Nadu Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited
Field Gun Factory, Kanpur (FGK) Kanpur Uttar Pradesh Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited
Gun Carriage Factory, Jabalpur (GCF) Jabalpur Madhya Pradesh Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited
Grey Iron Foundry (GIF) Jabalpur Madhya Pradesh Yantra India Limited
Gun and Shell Factory, Cossipore (GSF) Kolkata West Bengal Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited
Heavy Alloy Penetrator Project (HAPP) Tiruchirappalli Tamil Nadu Munitions India Limited
High Explosives Factory (HEF) Pune Maharashtra Munitions India Limited
Heavy Vehicles Factory, Chennai (HVF) Chennai Tamil Nadu Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited
Machine Tool Prototype Factory Ambernath (MPF) Mumbai Maharashtra Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited
Metal and Steel Factory (MSF) Ishapore West Bengal Yantra India Limited
Ordnance Clothing Factory Avadi (OCFAV) Chennai Tamil Nadu Troop Comforts Limited
Ordnance Factory Chandigarh (OCFC) Chandigarh Chandigarh India Optel Limited
Ordnance Clothing Factory (OCFS) Shahjahanpur Uttar Pradesh Troop Comforts Limited
Ordnance Equipment Factory Kanpur (OEFC) Kanpur Uttar Pradesh Troop Comforts Limited
Ordnance Equipment Factory Hazratpur (OEFHZ) Hazratpur Uttar Pradesh Troop Comforts Limited
Ordnance Factory Ambernath (OFA) Mumbai Maharashtra Yantra India Limited
Ordnance Factory Ambajhari (OFAJ) Nagpur Maharashtra Yantra India Limited
Ordnance Factory Bhandara (OFBA) Bhandara Maharashtra Munitions India Limited
Ordnance Factory Bhusawal (OFBH) Bhusawal Maharashtra Yantra India Limited
Ordnance Factory Bolangir (OFBOL) Bolangir Odisha Munitions India Limited
Ordnance Factory Kanpur (OFC) Kanpur Uttar Pradesh Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited
Ordnance Factory Chandrapur (OFCH) Chandrapur Maharashtra Munitions India Limited
Ordnance Factory Dumdum (OFDC) Kolkata West Bengal Yantra India Limited
Ordnance Factory Dehu Road (OFDR) Pune Maharashtra Munitions India Limited
Ordnance Factory Dehradun (OFDUN) Dehradun Uttarakhand India Optel Limited
Ordnance Factory Itarsi (OFI) Itarsi Madhya Pradesh Munitions India Limited
Ordnance Factory Khamaria (OFK) Jabalpur Madhya Pradesh Munitions India Limited
Ordnance Factory Katni (OFKAT) Katni Madhya Pradesh Yantra India Limited
Ordnance Factory Muradnagar (OFM) Muradnagar Uttar Pradesh Yantra India Limited
Ordnance Factory Project (OFN) Nalanda Bihar Munitions India Limited
Ordnance Factory Project Korwa (OFPKR) Korwa Uttar Pradesh Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited
Ordnance Factory Project Medak (OFPM) Hyderabad Telangana Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited
Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli (OFT) Tiruchirappalli Tamil Nadu Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited
Ordnance Factory Varangaon (OFV) Varangaon Maharashtra Munitions India Limited
Opto Electronics Factory (OLF) Dehradun Uttarakhand India Optel Limited
Ordnance Parachute Factory (OPF) Kanpur Uttar Pradesh Gliders India Limited
Rifle Factory Ishapore (RFI) Ishapore West Bengal Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited
Small Arms Factory (SAF) Kanpur Uttar Pradesh Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited
Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ) Jabalpur Madhya Pradesh Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited

Each ordnance factory was headed by a General Manager who is in the rank of Additional Secretary to the Government of India.

Training institutes, regional centres and controlleratesEdit

National Academy of Defence Production provides training to the IOFS officers in areas of technology, management, public administration as induction and re-orientation courses.

There were Ordnance Factories Institutes of Learning (OFILs) in Ambajhari, Ambernath, Avadi, Dehradun, Ishapore, Khamaria, Kanpur and Medak. Each OFIL was headed by a principal director, and NADP by a senior principal director. NADP provided training to Group A officers, whilst the other eight institutes imparted training to Group B and Group C employees of the ordnance factories.

OFB had Regional marketing centres and Regional controllerates of safety as well.

Joint VenturesEdit

In 2017, the Department of Defence Production under the Ministry of Defence opened itself to for Joint Ventures with OFB and DRDO was also tasked with identifying their products and patents, with the scope of commercial production[41]

A joint venture between Ordnance Factory Board (50.5%), Kalashnikov Concern (42%) and Rosonboronexport (7.5%) established to produce AK-203 (7.62×39mm) assault rifles intended for Indian Security Forces.[42]

Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS)Edit

Main article: Indian Ordnance Factories Service

The Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS) is a civil service of the Government of India. IOFS officers are Gazetted (Group A) defence-civilian officers under the Ministry of Defence.

IOFS is a multi-disciplinary composite cadre consisting of technical – engineers (civil, electrical, mechanical, electronics), technologists (aerospace, automotive, marine, industrial/product design, computer, nuclear, optical, chemical, metallurgical, textile, leather) and non-technical/administrative (science, law, commerce, management and arts graduates). Technical posts account for about 87% of the total cadre. The doctors (surgeons and physicians) serving in OFB belong to a separate service known as the Indian Ordnance Factories Health Service (IOFHS). IOFHS officers are responsible for the maintenance of health of the employees, and the hospitals of OFB. They report directly to the IOFS officers. IOFS and IOFHS are the only two civil services under the Department of Defence Production.[43]

ProductsEdit

The type of ordnance material produced is very diverse, including various small arms to missiles, rockets, bombs, grenades, military vehicles, armoured vehicles, chemicals, optical devices, parachutes, mortars, artillery pieces plus all associated ammunition, propellants, explosives and fuses.[44]

Civilian productsEdit

Civilians are required to hold an Arms License (issued only for non-prohibited bore category weapons) in order to buy firearms in India. The following products of the Indian Ordnance Factories Board are available for civilians:

ArmsEdit

AmmunitionEdit

  • Cartridge Rimfire .22" Ball
  • Cartridge SA .32" Revolver
  • Cartridge SA .315" and .30-06 Ball
  • Cartridge SA 12 Bore 70mm
  • Cartridge SA 12 Bore 65 mm Special

Military ProductsEdit

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CustomersEdit

Armed ForcesEdit

The prime customers of Indian Ordnance Factories were the Indian Armed Forces viz. Indian Army, Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force.[45][46] Apart from supplying armaments to the Armed Forces, Ordnance Factories also meet the requirements of other customers viz. the Central Armed Police Forces, State Armed Police Forces, Paramilitary Forces of India and the Special Forces of India in respect of arms, ammunition, clothing, bullet proof vehicles, mine protected vehicles etc.[19][47]

Civil tradeEdit

Customers are in the civil sector, central/state government organisations and departments such as Indian Railways, Indian Space Research Organisation, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Nuclear Fuel Complex, Aeronautical Development Agency, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Telecommunications, and State Electricity Boards.[48][49][50][51] Public Sector Undertakings in India (PSUs) such as HMT Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited,[52] private companies and individuals etc. who purchased industrial chemicals, explosives, arms, ammunition, brass ingots, aluminium alloy products for aircraft, steel castings and forgings, vehicles, clothing and leather goods, cables and opto-electronic instruments.[53]

ExportsEdit

Arms and ammunition, weapon spares, chemicals and explosives, parachutes, leather and clothing items were exported to more than 30 countries worldwide.

  • Asia: Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam, Nepal, Singapore
  • Europe: Germany, Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, Russia, Sweden, France, Switzerland, United Kingdom
  • Middle East: Oman, Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE
  • Africa: Kenya, Botswana, Nigeria
  • North and South America: United States, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Suriname[53][54][55][56]

Notable employeesEdit

ReferencesEdit

  1. ↑ "Ordnance Factory Board-History". Retrieved 10 September 2021.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Corporatisation of ordnance factories may lead to selective privatisation in the long term". 5 July 2021.
  3. ↑ "Defence Ministry issues order for Ordnance Factory Board dissolution". The Hindu. 28 September 2021. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
  4. ↑ "Home | Ordnance Factory Board | Government of India". ofbindia.gov.in.
  5. ↑ "About Department of Defence Production - Department of Defence Production". ddpmod.gov.in. Archived from the original on 4 February 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
  6. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 24 May 2011. Retrieved 13 May 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  7. ↑ "Antony reviews Ordnance Factory Board work". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 17 April 2012.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Trends in Defence Production: Case of Ordnance Factories". Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  9. ↑ "History | Directorate of Ordnance (Coordination and Services) | Government of India".
  10. ↑ https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2018-12/fs_arms_industry_2017_0.pdf Template:Bare URL PDF
  11. ↑ "Factories of graft". Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  12. ↑ "Ministry of Defence, Govt of India". Mod.nic.in. Archived from the original on 4 July 2012. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
  13. ↑ John Pike. "Ordnance Factories". Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  14. ↑ "Two Centuries of Guns and Shells". Mod.nic.in. Archived from the original on 7 February 2012. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
  15. ↑ "WHAT". Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  16. ↑ "Gun Carriage Factory". Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  17. ↑ "About Us - Ordnance Factory Board". Ordnance Factory Board. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
  18. ↑ "Hindustan Aeronautics Limited". Archived from the original on 25 June 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "OFB in Brief - Ordnance Factory Board". Ordnance Factory Board. Archived from the original on 29 October 2020. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  20. ↑ "Our Units - Ordnance Factory Board". Ordnance Factory Board. Archived from the original on 29 October 2020. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  21. ↑ "VFJ celebrates 212th Ordnance Factory Day". The Hitavada. Archived from the original on 3 July 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  22. ↑ Our Bureau. "Business Line : Industry & Economy News : Ordnance Factory to invest Rs 15,000 cr for modernisation". Thehindubusinessline.com. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 "Our History | RIFLE FACTORY ISHAPORE | Government of India". ddpdoo.gov.in.
  24. ↑ "Indian Ordnance Factories: Gun and Shell Factory". Ofb.gov.in. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
  25. ↑ http://eprints.nmlindia.org/3774/1/75-80.PDF Template:Bare URL PDF
  26. ↑ "Indian Ordnance Factories: Metal and Steel Factory".
  27. ↑ "Indian Ordnance Factories: Cordite Factory Aruvankadu". 4 September 2019.
  28. ↑ https://www.educationforallinindia.com/1949%20Report%20of%20the%20University%20Education%20Commission.pdf Template:Bare URL PDF
  29. ↑ "About Us | Ordnance Factory dumdum | Government of India".
  30. ↑ "Bengal's 183-year-old tryst with Afghans | Kolkata News - Times of India". The Times of India.
  31. ↑ "Home | Metal & Steel Factory, Ishapore | Government of India". ddpdoo.gov.in.
  32. ↑ https://gsf.gov.in/index.php?id=2&pid=2 [bare URL]
  33. ↑ Banerjee, Ajay (16 June 2021). "246-year-old Ordnance Factory Board scrapped; 7 new companies to take over". Tribune India. Retrieved 17 June 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  34. ↑ "EXPLAINED: Why 240-Yr-Old Ordnance Factory Board Got The Axe, And What It Means For India's Defence Production". www.news18.com. News18. 17 June 2021. Retrieved 17 June 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  35. ↑ "Govt. dissolves Ordnance Factory Board, transfers assets to 7 PSUs". The Hindu. PTI. 28 September 2021. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 28 September 2021.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  36. ↑ "Seven new defence companies carved out of OFB". Press Information Bureau. 15 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  37. ↑ "OFB dissolved: The 7 new companies inaugurated by PM Modi on Dussehra". Hindustan Times. 15 October 2021.
  38. ↑ "Office of the Regional Director, AQA, DGAQA, KOLKATA".
  39. ↑ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2021. Retrieved 14 July 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  40. ↑ Gupta, Ed. K. R. (2001). Directory of Libraries in India,2 Vols. ISBN 9788171569854.
  41. ↑ "Government looking at joint ventures in ordnance sector". The Hindu. Special Correspondent. 14 December 2017. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 29 August 2021.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  42. ↑ "PM Modi inaugurates Indo-Russian joint venture, which will end Army's long quest for rifles". 3 March 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  43. ↑ http://www.persmin.nic.in/DOPT/CSWing/CRDivision/Mail%20List%20of%20Secretaries.htm [bare URL]
  44. ↑ "Indian Ordnance Factories: Products". Ofb.gov.in. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
  45. ↑ "Weapons – Indian Navy". Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  46. ↑ "Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's – IHS". Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  47. ↑ "Indian Ordnance Factories: Small Arms Factory". Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  48. ↑ "Indian Ordnance Factories: Grey Iron Foundry". Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  49. ↑ "Indian Ordnance Factories: Ordnance Factory Ambajhari". Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  50. ↑ "Indian Ordnance Factories: Ordnance Cable Factory Chandigarh". Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  51. ↑ "Indian Ordnance Factories: Ordnance Factory Itarsi". Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  52. ↑ "Indian Ordnance Factories: Heavy Alloy Penetrator Project". Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 "Indian Ordnance Factories: Customers". Ofb.gov.in. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
  54. ↑ Pratim Ranjan Bose (29 September 2011). "Business Line : OTHERS / EDITORIAL FEATURE : We're making Ordnance factories future ready, says OFB Chairman Dimri". Thehindubusinessline.com. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
  55. ↑ "Indian defence exports valued at Rs.997 crore". Yahoo News India. 12 December 2012. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  56. ↑ SIPRI Arms Industry SIPRI. Retrieved 2019-12-18.
  57. ↑ "How India missed another Nobel Prize". Rediff.com. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
  58. ↑ 58.0 58.1 "The Tribune – Windows – Main Feature". Tribuneindia.com. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
  59. ↑ "How A Job In Jawaharlal Nehru's Team Eluded "Father Of Optics"". NDTV.com.
  60. ↑ "Youngest and first: Indian Everest conquerors meet". Rediff.com. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
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  62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/Year_Wise_main_25042017_0.pdf Template:Bare URL PDF
  63. ↑ "Indian space stalwarts though the years". The Times of India. 22 August 2018.
  64. ↑ "Among the Seven Pioneers".
  65. ↑ "I'm proud that I recommended him for ISRO: EV Chitnis". DNA India.
  66. ↑ "MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (Public Section) Padma Awards Directory (1954-2017) Year-Wise List" (PDF). www.mha.gov.in. Retrieved 11 July 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  67. ↑ "The rifle that won the war in 1965 | India News - Times of India". The Times of India.
  68. ↑ "At India's 200-year-old ordnance factories, anxiety and anticipation | India News - Times of India". The Times of India.
  69. ↑ "Important Milestones". Rfi.nic.in. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  70. ↑ "Our History | RIFLE FACTORY ISHAPORE | Government of India". Archived from the original on 22 February 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
  71. ↑ "Padma Shri Awardees". Government of India. Retrieved 17 October 2019.
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