Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli: Difference between revisions

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}

{{Use Indian English|date=May 2018}}

'''Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli (OFT)''', also called '''Ordnance Factory Trichy''', is a small arms factory operated by [[Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited]] based in [[Tiruchirappalli]], [[Tamil Nadu]], which was previously part of [[Ordnance Factory Board]] of the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]], [[Government of India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ofb.gov.in/index.php?wh=aboutus&lang=en|title=Indian Ordnance Factories: About Us|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref> The company is headed only by an [[IOFS]] officer called General Manager (ex officio [[Additional Secretary to Government of India]]) who is the Chief Executive Officer, responsible for the overall management of the company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ofb.gov.in/units/index.php?unit=oft&page=rti&lang=en|title=Indian Ordnance Factories: Ordnance Factory Tiruchirapalli|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref> OFT is the largest [[small arms]] manufacturing company of India and has the most varied range.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/make-in-india-now-private-companies-can-test-their-equipment-at-the-ordnance-factories/1640708/|title=Make in India: Now private companies can test their equipment at the Ordnance Factories|date=11 July 2019}}</ref>

It was inaugurated on 3 July 1966 by the then Prime Minister of India [[Indira Gandhi]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ofbindia.nic.in/units/index.php?unit=oft&page=about&lang=en|title=Indian Ordnance Factories: Ordnance Factory Tiruchirapalli|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref> and production began in 1967. It was established to increase the small arms production in the country, assisting the [[Rifle Factory Ishapore]] and Small Arms Factory, Kanpur. The need was felt after the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]].

* [[IOF .315 sporting rifle]] - A civilian version of the British [[Lee–Enfield]] rifle, chambered in the [[8×50mmR Mannlicher]] cartridge, rather than the [[.303 British]] cartridge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.weaponsindia.com/sportingrifle.htm|title=315" Sporting Rifle|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref>

* [[INSAS rifle]] - The INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) 5.56&nbsp;mm assault rifle is the standard-issue rifle of the Indian Army. At least 300,000 of these weapons have been sold to the Indian Army.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=84268|title=Press Information Bureau English Releases|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref>

* [[L1A1 SLR|7.62 mm 1A1 rifle]] - License produced variant of the British [[L1A1 SLR|L1A1 self-loading rifle]]. It was the standard-issue rifle of the Indian Army and has been replaced by the INSAS.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Infantry-Weapons/OFB-7-62-mm-1A1-and-1C-rifles-India.html|title=OFB 7.62 mm 1A1 and 1C rifles (India) - Jane's Infantry Weapons|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.weaponsindia.com/rifle1a1.htm|title=Rifle 7.62 mm 1A1|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref>

* [[PK machine gun#PKT|7.62 mm PKT gun]] - Indian license produced variant of [[PK machine gun#PKT|PKT machine gun]] mounted on main battle tanks such as [[Arjun (tank)|Arjun]], [[T-72|Ajeya]], [[T-90|Bhishma]] of the Indian Army.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Infantry-Weapons/7-62-mm-PKT-tank-machine-gun-Serbia-and-Montenegro.html|title=7.62 mm PKT tank machine gun (Serbia and Montenegro) - Jane's Infantry Weapons|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref>

* [[7.62 mm Trichy Assault Rifle]] - A 7.62&nbsp;mm caliber assault rifle developed by Ordnance Factory Trichy. In use by paramilitary forces such as CRPF, CISF, BSF, etc.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/crpf-approves-trichy-assault-rifle-after-tests/article19937479.ece|title=CRPF approves Trichy Assault Rifle after tests|first=R.|last=Krishnamoorthy|date=28 October 2017|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/trichy/crpf-most-likely-to-place-orders-for-trichy-assault-rifle/articleshow/63348542.cms|title=Trichy Assault Rifle: 'CRPF most likely to place orders for Trichy Assault Rifle' &#124; Trichy News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asian-defence.net/2011/03/indian-tiruchi-ordnance-factory.html|title=Indian Tiruchi Ordnance Factory Develops New Assault Rifle Like AK-47 ~ ASIAN DEFENSE|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-14/nagpur/30627285_1_ak-47-insas-new-rifle|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718225109/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-14/nagpur/30627285_1_ak-47-insas-new-rifle|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 July 2013|work=[[The Times of India]]|title=Indian 'AK-47' too fast for its own good|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.spsmai.com/military/?id=7&q=Tiruchi-ordnance-factory-develops-new-assault-rifle|title=Tiruchi ordnance factory develops new assault rifle|website=www.spsmai.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xykNwwVSKM|title=CRPF APPROVES TRICHY ASSAULT RIFLE AFTER TESTS|via=www.youtube.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Frahan | first=Alain Henry de | title=Tiruchi Assault Rifle for Indian Border Security Force - January 2019 Global Defense Security army news industry - Archive News year | website=Defense Security global news industry army 2019 | date=2013-07-14 | url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/january_2019_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/tiruchi_assault_rifle_for_indian_border_security_force.html | access-date=2021-04-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news|title=Janes &#124; Latest defence and security news|website=Janes.com}}</ref> Also in use with the State Police Forces of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Kerala, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, among others.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/jharkhand/weapon-upgrade-for-jharkhand-police/cid/1682946|title=Weapon upgrade for state cops|website=www.telegraphindia.com}}</ref>

* [[NSV machine gun|12.7 mm air defence gun]] - An anti-aircraft autocannon, manufactured by OFT which can be mounted on helicopters, besides land and sea applications.<ref name="hindu">{{Cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/19/stories/2008031957471000.htm|title=The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Tiruchi News : Small, modern, antique weapons on display|date=25 March 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080325233709/http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/19/stories/2008031957471000.htm|archive-date=25 March 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ofb.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/add_33.htm |title=12.7 mm AIR DEFENCE GUN|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref>

* [[14.5 mm sub caliber device]] - A training weapon for the crew of T-72 tank for 125&nbsp;mm gun, in range practice against standard targets, using 14.5&nbsp;mm armour piercing incendiary tracer bullet with steel case.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ofb.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wmc/2.htm|title=Ordnance Factory Board|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.oneindia.in/2007/03/19/oft-develops-gen-x-weapons-1174286532.html|title=OFT develops Gen-X weapons|work=news.oneindia.in|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref>

* [[KPV heavy machine gun|14.5 mm FAT gun]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ofbindia.nic.in/products/data/weapons/wmc/2.htm|title=Ordnance Factory Board|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref>

* [[Vidhwansak|Vidhwansak anti- material rifle]]  - An anti-materiel sniper rifle developed by OFT. In use with the [[Border Security Force]]. The Vidhwansak can be easily changed between three calibers (12.7&nbsp;mm, 14.5&nbsp;mm and 20&nbsp;mm) by replacing the barrel, bolt, magazine and scope without any specialized tools.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ofb.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wmc/add_10.htm|title=Ordnance Factory Board|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.oneindia.in/2008/02/15/bsf-ig-satisfied-of-amr-produced-at-oft-1203057214.html|title=BSF IG satisfied of AMR produced at OFT|work=news.oneindia.in|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/02/15/stories/2008021553770500.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080220075927/http://www.hindu.com/2008/02/15/stories/2008021553770500.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 February 2008|work=[[The Hindu]]|title=Tamil Nadu / Tiruchi News : Anti-material rifle handed over to BSF|date=2008-02-15|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/03/19/stories/2007031903350200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109083333/http://www.hindu.com/2007/03/19/stories/2007031903350200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 November 2012|work=[[The Hindu]]|title=Tamil Nadu / Tiruchi News : Ordnance Factories Day celebrated in Tiruchi|date=2007-03-19|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110213/nation.htm|title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Nation|website=www.tribuneindia.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/03/20/stories/2006032004440200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061118043602/http://www.hindu.com/2006/03/20/stories/2006032004440200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 November 2006|work=[[The Hindu]]|title=Tamil Nadu / Tiruchi News : Exhibiting the 'powers' that protect us|date=2006-03-20|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref>

* [[Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23|Ghasha 23 mm aviation gun]] - An autocannon, for use onboard aircraft. The Ghasha is the gun used on aircraft like the [[HAL Tejas|Tejas]], [[MiG-21]], [[MiG-27]] and [[Mil Mi-24|Mi-24 helicopters]],.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Air-Launched-Weapons/Ghasha-23-mm-aviation-gun-India.html|title=Ghasha 23 mm aviation gun (India) - Jane's Air-Launched Weapons|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref>

* [[AGS-30|30 mm auto grenade launcher]] - provides better mobility, longer range, increased rate of fire and better accuracy during firing. Significantly lighter than its previous version but far more advanced and powerful, it can engage targets at over 2000m. Recoil is lessened.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/19/stories/2009031958760200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322130902/http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/19/stories/2009031958760200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 March 2009|work=[[The Hindu]]|title=Tamil Nadu / Tiruchi News : Visitors awed by arms on display at OFT|date=2009-03-19|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref>

* [[38 mm multi-shell launcher (UGRA)]] - used to launch tear gas shells for riot control.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/19/stories/2011031967570200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110322192833/http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/19/stories/2011031967570200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 March 2011|work=[[The Hindu]]|title=Tamil Nadu / Tiruchi News : OFT develops multi shell launcher for riot control|date=2011-03-19|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.oneindia.in/2007/03/19/oft-develops-ultra-modern-futuristic-weapons.html|title=OFT develops ultra-modern futuristic weapons|work=news.oneindia.in|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-19/india/29145725_1_ordnance-factory-happ-tiruchi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102021554/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-19/india/29145725_1_ordnance-factory-happ-tiruchi|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 January 2014|work=[[The Times of India]]|title=Tiruchi ordnance factory develops new assault rifle|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref>

* [[ARDE 40 mm under barrel grenade launcher]] - An under-barrel grenade launcher, developed by [[Armament Research and Development Establishment|ARDE]] and OFT for use with INSAS rifles. It is also compatible with the AK-47s in service with the Indian Army.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ofb.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wmc/8.htm|title=Under Barrel Grenade Launcher 40 mm|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref>

OFT currently manufactures some products under license from the foreign companies that produce them. It is working closely with the [[Armament Research and Development Establishment]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs/ARDE/English/index.jsp?pg=interaction.jsp|title=DRDO|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref> and other laboratories and establishments of the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) to indigenise the weapons. It is also working with the companies to develop new products that would be jointly engineered.

* [[Paramilitary Forces of India]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/big-match-debut-for-sniper-rifles-that-penetrate-concrete/768911/0|title=Big match debut for sniper rifles that penetrate concrete – Indian Express|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref>

* [[Special Forces of India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/post-26/11-india-turns-to-russia-for-small-weapons_604499.html|title=Post 26/11, India turns to Russia for small weapons|work=Zee News|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref>

Weapons manufactured by OFT such as the INSAS rifles have been exported to several countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ofb.gov.in/index.php?wh=customers&lang=en|title=Indian Ordnance Factories: Customers|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-others/tp-editorial-feature/article2494614.ece|title=We're making Ordnance factories future ready, says OFB Chairman Dimri|author=Pratim Ranjan Bose|work=The Hindu Business Line|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref>