New Delhi: Adani Defence & Aerospace has won the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers’ (SIDM) Champion Award 2026 for Export Performance in Defence and Aerospace, as India seeks to expand its presence in global defence markets and strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The award was presented by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at SIDM’s eighth annual session in New Delhi on October 9, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Director General (Acquisition) A Anbarasu.
Fifteen awards were presented at the event for achievements in indigenous technology development, product innovation, design, import substitution, manufacturing excellence and exports, according to officials.
The 15 awards aim to recognise achievements in technology development, product innovation, design, import substitution, manufacturing excellence and exports.
In an address during the session, Rajnath Singh urged for greater private sector participation in defence production, increased investment in research and development, and expanded manufacturing capacity to meet the defence requirements of the country.
Speaking on the achievement, Adani Defence & Aerospace Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ashish Rajvanshi said, “We are proud to see our efforts in building India’s defence manufacturing capabilities recognised. Our focus is on making highquality products in India and taking them to customers across global markets. We will continue to invest in technology and indigenous manufacturing to meet the evolving needs of defence and security customers.”
The latest recognition comes after a separate SIDM Champion Award awarded to Adani Defence & Aerospace’s Kanpur Ammunition Complex in 2025 for design, manufacturing and testing excellence. The Kanpur facility utilises automated manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled quality inspection, real-time data analytics and digital monitoring across the production process. The facility’s digital shopfloor eliminates manual handling of hazardous materials.
Supported by digital security systems, it also has 100% digital traceability across the manufacturing value chain. The complex includes a ballistics testing range equipped with an Electronic Pressure, Velocity and Action Time (EPVAT) system.
India’s apex accreditation body for testing and calibration laboratories, National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) has accredited the range.
Data highlights that India’s defence exports touched a record Rs 38,424 crore in FY2025-26, marking growth of 62.66% over the previous financial year. The government has set a target of Rs 50,000 crore in annual defence exports by 2029.
