On March 18, 1802, the first Ordnance Factories Day was celebrated to honor the contribution of Ordnance factories in India’s defense development. In the field of land, sea and air systems, Indian Ordnance factories play a crucial role in providing weapons to Indian defense. They are managed under the Indian Ordnance factory services.

Indian Ordnance factories are indulged in the manufacturing, processing, logistics, research, development, and marketing of a wide range of goods. They are the basis for indigenous manufacturing of defense hardware and weapons. Indian ordnance factories are amongst the top 50 defense equipment manufacturers in the world. Indian Ordnance Factories, headquartered at Kolkata, is a conglomerate of 41 Factories, 9 Training Institutes, 3 Regional Marketing Centres and 4 Regional Controller of Safety.

Every year, the 18th of March is observed as the Ordnance Factories Day to mark the occasion of the first launch. The Day is seen as an event to affirm the commitment of the Ordnance Board to the nation by ensuring high-quality items for the Indian armed forces. This day is marked by the presentation of the arm and ammunition produced in the factories. Indian Ordnance Factory is the oldest and world’s largest government-operated production organization.