NIBE Group inaugurated a state-of-the-art Defence Manufacturing Complex at Shirdi, Maharashtra, on 23 May 2026 in the presence of the Raksha Mantri and the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Senior military and government officials attended the event. The complex has been presented as a next-generation ecosystem for advanced artillery systems, missile technologies, ammunition manufacturing and space technologies.

The integrated complex comprises a 155 mm ammunition shell manufacturing plant with an annual capacity of 0.5 million (mn) shells, indigenous TNT and RDX plants, a bio-CNG and hydrogen fuel facility, and facilities for space and satellite technologies. The inauguration included a flag-off ceremony for Suryastra, described as a 300 km universal rocket launching system, signalling a step up in long-range precision strike capability. The facilities are designed to support research, testing and skilling initiatives for the domestic defence industrial base.

The company also highlighted the successful trials of a 100 km loitering munition identified as Skystriker, demonstrating progress in autonomous and precision strike systems. The complex is intended to support development of energetic materials, rocket systems and autonomous defence platforms while encouraging collaboration with small and medium enterprises for supply chain integration. It will also aim to accelerate indigenous design cycles.

The Raksha Mantri commended the group for advancing the national Make in India objective and for building capabilities that support strategic self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The Chief Minister emphasised Maharashtra's emergence as a defence corridor spanning regions such as Pune and Nagpur and noted the strategic significance of indigenous long-range and loitering systems.

The promoter reiterated the company commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and reducing import dependency in critical defence sectors. The Shirdi complex is expected to generate more than 3,000 direct employment opportunities and to provide an ecosystem for innovation, MSME collaboration and technology development. The group indicated plans to foster MSME participation and technology transfer to strengthen domestic supply chains.