NIBE Limited, a pioneering name in manufacturing critical systems for the defence sector, inaugurated its state-of-the-art Missiles Complex and Precision Machining (Small Arms Complex) facility in Pune. The event also coincided with the celebration of the company’s Foundation Day. The newly launched facility is equipped with advanced Vertical Machining Centres (VMCs) with Computer Numerical Control (CNC), such as the Kairos V5 16000, and the BMV 50 and 60+ machines. These machines offer high capacity and precision, making them ideal for Defence and Aerospace applications, and will be used for the manufacturing of critical components of Small Arms systems, such as Light Machine Guns and Assault Rifles, as well as Missiles and Rocket Launcher structures. The ground-breaking event marked a significant milestone in strengthening NIBE’s unwavering commitment to excellence and progress in the sector. The event was graced by Devendra Fadnavis, the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, alongside Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Honourable Ministers Uday Samant, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and Mahesh Landge. Notable industry leaders such as Arun T Ramchandani, Anil S Kulkarni, the top executives from L&T, were also in attendance. Commenting on the launch, Ganesh Ramesh Nibe, Founder and Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of NIBE Limited said, “Today marked a transformative day not only for NIBE but for the entire defence industry. At NIBE, we have always envisioned a future where innovation meets advanced technology and a robust R&D facility. Our cutting-edge facilities are a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence, innovation, and national security built with passion and perseverance. We were honoured to collaborate with esteemed partners and leaders to pave the way for a robust and secure future.” Devendra Fadnavis, the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, said at the event, The ‘Make in India’ campaign aims to facilitate investment, foster innovation, enhance skill development, protect intellectual property, and build best-in-class manufacturing infrastructure. The objective of the initiative is to promote India as the most preferred global manufacturing destination. As a proud contributor to India’s self-reliance, NIBE is dedicated to developing world-class products in the defence and aerospace sectors, ensuring that innovation and quality go hand in hand.” Balakrishnan Govind Swamy, Chief Technological and Executive Officer (CT&EO) of NIBE Limited, further added, “The inauguration of our new facilities represents more than just a technological landmark; it embodies our commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining the landscape of defence and aerospace. Our state-of-the-art complex is designed to foster innovation, enhance operational capabilities, and contribute significantly to our nation's security. I am proud of our achievements and excited for the groundbreaking work that lies ahead.” After launching its Space Programme, Earth Observation Satellite Constellation, through its subsidiary NIBE Space in September, NIBE Limited signed contracts for strategic partnerships with Thales Alenia Space and BlackSky and signed an MOU with Maharashtra Remote Sensing Application Centre. “I would like to thank NIBE for putting its trust in our company and I am extremely pleased that Thales Alenia Space will contribute to developing sovereign Earth Observation capabilities in India,” said Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space. “Supporting the deployment of India’s first private Earth observation constellation means a lot to our company as this is Thales Alenia Space’s first cooperation on an Indian space program. We look forward to making available our long-standing expertise and industrial capabilities in optical and radar sensors and start a promising Space cooperation with India.” Additionally, NIBE also announced a licensing agreement with DRDO for the transfer of technology of 35 Mountain Foot Bridge (including its Launching System), represented by Arun Chaudhary and Makarand Joshi, Director R&DE, Pune.