Sunita Tools Limited has announced the appointment of Tarun Thapar as the Executive Director (ED) Technical for its Blank Artillery Shells division, a move aimed at accelerating its defense manufacturing capabilities. The appointment was confirmed in a regulatory filing submitted to BSE on March 20, 2025.
Strengthening Artillery Shell Manufacturing
Thapar, a veteran in blank artillery shell manufacturing since 1996, brings extensive expertise in producing these shells for various companies and Ministries of Defence (MoD). He has played a crucial role in the private sector’s expansion into this space, making him a key figure in the industry.
With his appointment, Sunita Tools Ltd expects a significant reduction of 8 months in the timeline for its artillery shell manufacturing project, bringing forward its commercial production schedule. The company aims to establish credibility by leveraging Thapar’s 25+ years of experience in the field.
Expanding Sunita Tools’ Defense Capabilities
Beyond blank artillery shells, Thapar has extensive experience in various defense products, including:
- Armament systems
- Tank armored plates
- 120mm mortars
- Tank disks with hubs and track assemblies
- Support rollers for military vehicles
His appointment aligns with Sunita Tools’ strategy to diversify into the defense sector, adding to its longstanding expertise in engineering, mold base manufacturing, and aerospace technology.
Management’s Take on the Appointment
Commenting on the development, Sanjay Pandey, Chairman & Whole-Time Technical Director of Sunita Tools Ltd, emphasized the long-term impact of this move.
“With Mr. Thapar on board, our project execution timeline will be significantly shortened, and our defense business will expand faster than initially anticipated. His experience will enable us to develop not just this product but also future defense product lines.”
Company Overview
Sunita Tools Ltd has been a key player in precision engineering for over 36 years, specializing in:
- Mold bases
- Precision CNC machining
- Aerospace components
The company recently expanded into defense manufacturing, with artillery shell production marking its entry into the sector.
This latest appointment signals a strategic push into India’s growing defense manufacturing industry, aligning with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
