MIDHANI develops indigenous armour-grade aluminium alloy wide plates for defence applications

New Delhi: Defence PSU Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) has achieved a significant milestone by successfully producing armour-grade aluminium alloy wide plates for defence applications through indigenous processing for the first time in India, marking a major step towards strengthening the country's self-reliance in strategic materials.

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The achievement demonstrates MIDHANI's capability to process high-strength 7XXX series aluminium alloy plates for armour applications using its state-of-the-art Wide Plate Mill. The development aligns with the Government of India's vision of promoting indigenous defence manufacturing and advancing the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

According to the company, Aluminium-Zinc-Magnesium (Al-Zn-Mg) alloy ingots were first forged and subsequently rolled into armour-grade plates measuring approximately 23 x 1350 x 4500 mm, meeting the required dimensions and performance specifications for defence applications. MIDHANI had earlier successfully rolled wider plates of 2XXX series aluminium alloy measuring approximately 8 x 2800 x 12000 mm. The company said its existing facilities are capable of rolling plates up to 3,000 mm in width.

With the successful development of both 2XXX and 7XXX series hard aluminium alloy plates, MIDHANI has established what it described as a first-of-its-kind indigenous capability in India for forging and rolling wide hard aluminium alloy plates used in strategic defence applications.

The company noted that wide armour-grade plates made from these high-strength aluminium alloys were largely imported to meet domestic defence requirements. The indigenous development is expected to significantly reduce import dependence while strengthening the country's capability to manufacture critical strategic materials domestically.

MIDHANI said the milestone expands its portfolio of advanced materials for the defence and strategic sectors and reinforces its position as a leading manufacturer of special metals and alloys in India. The company added that the development would provide a reliable domestic source of critical armour materials for future defence platforms and contribute to the growth of the country's defence manufacturing ecosystem.

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The management of MIDHANI said the achievement reflects the organisation's continued focus on innovation, technological excellence and support for national strategic programmes through indigenous capabilities. The company continues to supply advanced materials to strategic sectors including defence, aerospace, space, energy and other critical industries.

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