Three defence public sector undertakings (PSUs) headquartered in Kanpur —Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), Gliders India Limited (GIL) and Troop Comforts Limited (TCL)—have been allocated a combined budget of Rs 341 crore.Of the total allocation, AWEIL alone accounts for nearly 96% (Rs 329 crore) reflecting its larger manufacturing and operational scale.
The funding has been provided under the Centre’s capital outlay for defence services and is aimed at strengthening indigenous defence production and capacity building across the PSUs. AWEIL, formed after the restructuring of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), is a key manufacturer of small arms and artillery systems. “The sizable allocation underscores the govt’s focus on strengthening core defence manufacturing capacities and supporting ongoing modernisation within the armed forces. The enhanced funding is expected to accelerate AWEIL’s production capabilities, technological upgrades, and expansion of both domestic and export-oriented manufacturing in its eight production units, including Field Gun Factory Kanpur, Gun Carriage Factory Jabalpur, Gun and Shell Factory Cossipore, Ordnance Factory Kanpur, Ordnance Factory Project Korwa, Ordnance Factory Tiruchirapalli, Rifle Factory Ishapore and Small Arms Factory Kanpur. Already some projects have been sanctioned,” said an official source. Gliders India Limited (Rs 2.50 crore) and Troop Comforts Limited (Rs 10 crore)—smaller but strategically vital PSUs in Kanpur—will share the remaining portion of the allocation. Gliders India specializes in parachutes and aerial delivery systems, while Troop Comforts Limited manufactures essential gear for soldiers, including uniforms, equipment, and protective wear. “The funds directed to these two units are expected to support product diversification, quality enhancements, and improved production infrastructure,” added the source. Recently, boosting India.s defence exports, GIL has secured a Rs 30 crore order from Vietnam for the supply of critical braking and safety parachutes for Su-30 fighter aircraft.
