Establishment Details

Introduction:

Ammunition Factory Khadki situated near the bank of Mula River is a premierFactory (Small Arms) manufacturing ammunition. The main product of the factory is 5.56mm INSAS Ammunition developed by DRDO and productionised at AFK in the year 1993. Besides 5.56mm this factory also produces many other Small Arms Ammunition, Mortar Bombs, Detonators, Fuzes, Power Cartridges, Igniters, Squibs and Sporting Ammunition. (Based on the production estimates of 125 MRD of 5.56mm, 40 MRD of 9mm & 18MRD of A-7 Ammunitions the core activities of AFK have been planned.) The factory has planned investment for its modernisation with the induction of State of the Art modern, multi-operational, high speed machinery for better productivity and consistent quality. The HRD plan aims at a lean and thin organization with concentration on core activities. It also emphasizes on upgradation of human resources by continuous training and upgrading the skills for multiskilling activities.

History & Development:

Ammunition Factory Khadki came into being on 16th December 1869 as a Small Arms manufacturing unit of the British Government. Regular production of ammunition cartridge using gun powder for Sniders Rifle and Henry Martini Rifle commenced in 1872.
In 1886, manufacture of Cartg 0.303" magazine rifle was established using cordite (made from nitrocellulose and nitroglycerine paste) propellant.
In 1914 there was an expansion of manufacturing facilities at Ammunition FactoryKhadki & different types of primary explosives like mercury fulminate, lead azide, leadstyphnate and filling of caps, detonators, percussion fuzes & different pyrotechniquestores were introduced at Ammunition Factory Khadki for meeting the requirements of war in Asia & Africa.
In 1936 the second expansion of this factory was done with introduction of filling of shells with Lyddite and filling of hand grenade, rifle grenade and a large variety of smoke and incendiary ammunition. During second world war filling of bombs, mortars, mines, etc. was also introduced and the manufacturing capacity of small arms was enhanced several fold.
After the independence Ammunition Factory Khadki became the vital defenceproduction unit for high explosive filled bombs, small Arms cartridges, fuzes, grenades, mines, a large variety of medium and high caliber ammunition. Simultaneously development and production of ammunition for Indian Air Force and Indian Navy also commenced.
During 1950 the manufacture of the sporting ammunition like 12 Bore Cartg, CartgRF 0.22", Cartg 0.315", Cartg 16 Bore and Cartg 20 Bore and a number of teargas ammunition were established for state police, Ministry of Home Affairs and Civilindentors. At the same time manufacture of 7.62 mm ammunition was started in a big way.
After the Chinese aggression of 1962, Ammunition Factory Khadki was revamped and modernised in a big way catering for a large variety of small arms, medium caliber and large caliber ammunition required by Army, Navy and Air Force.
During 1965 and 1971 war AFK played a great role. It rose to the occasion & supplied all the requirements expected of it by Services.
The 7.62mm Rifle was replaced by Warsaw pact and NATO pact countries during seventies & eighties with 5.56mm caliber ammunition. Ammunition Factory in association with DRDO developed Indian National Small Arms System (INSAS) 5.56mm ammunition with existing facility of 7.62mm ammunition. Today after modernisation, AFK is a big manufacturer of this ammunition. The quality of AFK made 5.56mm ammunition is comparable to world class.