Ordnance Factories Day 2024, Theme, History and Facts

Ordnance Factories Day 2024

Every year on 18 March, India unites in commemorating Ordnance Factory Day, recalling the inception of the inaugural Ordnance factory in Cossipore, Kolkata, dating back to 1801 under British colonial rule. The Indian Ordnance Factories, overseen by the Ministry of Defense (MoD), mark Ordnance Factories Day 2024 as an occasion to showcase the comprehensive spectrum of research, development, production, and marketing operations involved in crafting a wide range of arms and ammunition across the nation’s ordnance factories.

Ordnance Factories Day 2024

18 March marks a special day for the Indian Defence Industry. Indian Ordnance factories have shown an exceptional will in embracing innovation, modernization and driving the evolution of India’s defence industry. The parade kicks off the festivities on this day, and pictures from numerous mountaineering trips will also be on display at the exhibition. OFB holds titles like the “Fourth Arm of Defence” and the “Force Behind the Armed Forces” of India. Operating under the Department of Defence Production within the Ministry of Defence, OFB supplies goods to the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Ordnance Factories Day 2024: Theme

This Year, Ordnance Factories Day 2024 theme is “Operational Efficiency, Readiness, and Mission Accomplishment in the Maritime Domain”. The focus is on highlighting the critical significance of enhancing the country’s naval capabilities through efficient ordnance manufacturing and supply networks.

List of Important Days in March 2024

Ordnance Factories Day 2024: History

The origin and growth of ordnance factories in India trace back to the British colonial period. Seeking to bolster their economic and political influence, the East India Company recognized military hardware production as pivotal. This led to the establishment of the Army Ordnance in India, marked by the creation of a Board of Ordnance in Fort William, Kolkata in 1775. Subsequently, a gunpowder factory was set up in Ishapore in 1787, followed by the establishment of a Gun Carriage Agency in Cossipore, Kolkata in 1801. Operations commenced on March 18, 1802, marking the inception of the first industrial ordnance establishment in India, which persists to this day.

In 2021, a notable transformation occurred in the management of these factories. Now Ordnance Factories Board is known as Directorate of Ordnance (Coordination and Services) and all 41 Indian Ordnance Factories are converted into Seven Defence Public Sector Undertakings under the Department of Defence Production within Ministry of Defence, effective from October 1st, 2021. The seven new entities are:

• Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Ltd. (AWE)
• Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd. (AVANI)
• Gliders India Ltd. (GIL)
• India Optel Ltd. (IOL)
• Munitions India Ltd. (MIL)
• Troops Comforts Ltd. (TCL)
• Yantra India Ltd. (YIL)

Ordnance Factories Day 2024: Significance

The Indian Ordnance Factories Services hold a vital role in manufacturing, testing, logistics, research, advancement, and commercialization for ground, sea, and air platforms. They form a sturdy foundation for national-scale production of military parts and components, ensuring sufficient armaments and ammunition for the safety of the populace. The day’s objective is to ensure the production of high-quality goods and maintain a high standard of workforce. Alongside Ayudh Shri/Devi, workers receive other honors such as Ayudh Ratna, Ayudh Bhushan, among others.