NEW DELHI, — Saudi Arabia has reportedly made an urgent request to India for 10,000 additional 155mm artillery shells, according to defence sources. The request comes amid ongoing regional security tensions involving Iran-backed Houthi forces.
The latest requirement builds on a major defence agreement signed in February 2024, when India's state-owned Munitions India Limited (MIL) secured a $225 million contract to supply 155mm artillery ammunition to Saudi Arabia. The agreement was signed during the World Defence Show in Riyadh through MIL's local partner, Nadrah Company.
Officials present at the signing included Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, Governor of Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Military Industries, and India's then Minister of State for Defence, Ajay Bhatt.
Saudi Arabia's Ammunition Requirement
The additional request for 10,000 shells is described by sources as an emergency requirement. Saudi Arabia has been involved in prolonged regional security challenges, including the conflict with Houthi forces in Yemen.
The demand for 155mm artillery ammunition has increased globally, while maintaining sufficient ammunition reserves remains important for military readiness and sustained operations.
The latest request is understood to follow the existing supply arrangement under the 2024 contract. However, Saudi authorities and India's Ministry of Defence have not officially confirmed the additional requirement or its delivery timeline.
Munitions India Limited Expands Defence Exports
Munitions India Limited, headquartered in Pune, was established in 2021 following the corporatisation of the former Ordnance Factory Board. The company manufactures a range of ammunition, including 155mm artillery shells.
The $225 million Saudi agreement remains MIL's largest export contract to date. The company has also secured international ammunition orders from other countries.
The United Arab Emirates previously placed orders for 40,000 artillery shells in 2017, valued at approximately $40 million, and 50,000 shells in 2019, valued at around $46 million.
MIL has also been working on advanced ammunition technologies, including collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras on smart ammunition.
The reported additional Saudi requirement highlights the expanding defence cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia and India's growing role in the international ammunition export market. If confirmed, the additional supply would further strengthen MIL's position as a supplier of conventional artillery ammunition to international defence customers.
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