Hyderabad/New Delhi: In a major boost to India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) has successfully developed and produced armour-grade aluminium alloy wide plates through an entirely indigenous process, a first-of-its-kind achievement in the country.
The development marks a significant step forward in strengthening India’s self-reliance in strategic materials and reducing dependence on imported defence-grade alloys.
According to MIDHANI, the breakthrough demonstrates the company’s ability to manufacture high-strength 7XXX series aluminium alloy plates, which are widely used in armour and military applications. The achievement was made possible using the company’s advanced Wide Plate Mill facility, showcasing India’s growing expertise in the production of specialised defence materials.
As part of the process, Aluminium-Zinc-Magnesium (Al-Zn-Mg) alloy ingots were forged and rolled into armour-grade plates measuring approximately 23 mm x 1,350 mm x 4,500 mm, meeting the required specifications for defence use. Earlier, MIDHANI had also successfully rolled wider 2XXX series aluminium alloy plates measuring around 8 mm x 2,800 mm x 12,000 mm. The company’s facilities are capable of producing plates up to 3,000 mm in width, providing considerable flexibility for future defence and strategic requirements.
The successful development of both 2XXX and 7XXX series hard aluminium alloy plates has enabled MIDHANI to establish a unique indigenous capability for forging and rolling wide high-strength aluminium plates used in critical defence applications. Industry experts view this as a major technological milestone for the country’s strategic manufacturing ecosystem.
Until now, a significant portion of these specialised armour-grade aluminium plates had to be sourced from overseas suppliers. The availability of a domestic production capability is expected to reduce import dependence, strengthen supply-chain security, and support the timely execution of defence projects.
The achievement further expands MIDHANI’s portfolio of advanced materials and reinforces its role as one of India’s leading manufacturers of special metals and alloys. The company supplies critical materials to sectors including defence, aerospace, space, energy, and other strategic industries.
Officials said the breakthrough reflects MIDHANI’s continued focus on innovation, technological advancement, and support for national strategic programmes. The indigenous capability is expected to provide a reliable domestic source of armour materials for future military platforms while contributing to the broader vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The development is being seen as another important milestone in India’s journey towards achieving greater technological self-sufficiency and strengthening its indigenous defence manufacturing base.
