Shirdi set to emerge as defence manufacturing hub, says CDS Anil Chauhan

Rashmi Pandey — Sat, 23 May 2026 10:18:57 +0000

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan said on Saturday that Shirdi, long known across India for faith and spirituality, will now also be recognised as a hub for defence manufacturing, industrial growth, technological innovation and national security. He made the remarks at the inauguration of the NIBE Shirdi Defence Manufacturing Complex, describing it as a “confluence of faith and future technology”.

The Shirdi complex is being positioned as a major step in India’s private-sector defence manufacturing ecosystem, with reports saying the facility is designed to support advanced production in critical defence and aerospace segments. The project is linked to India’s wider push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing and the “Make in India” effort.

According to pre-event reports, the inauguration is being attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, CDS General Anil Chauhan and Maharashtra minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil. The complex is located in Shirdi, in Ahilya Nagar district of Maharashtra.

Reports ahead of the event said the facility is expected to create jobs, support local industry and help smaller suppliers participate in the defence sector. It is also being projected as a boost for Maharashtra’s industrial base and for advanced manufacturing linked to national security.

The event also highlights the growing role of private companies in India’s defence production, with the Shirdi project presented as an integrated model combining security, technology and economic development. Organisers have also planned a defence capability display and MSME showcase to highlight indigenous products and manufacturing solutions.

General Chauhan’s message placed Shirdi’s spiritual identity alongside its industrial future, suggesting the town’s new role would sit alongside its long-established devotional importance. The project, according to published reports, is intended to be a visible example of India’s shift toward domestic capability in strategic sectors.

Anil Chauhan | Business Upturn

Shirdi set to emerge as defence manufacturing hub, says CDS Anil Chauhan