The Directorate of Ordnance (Coordination & Services) (DOO(C&S)) is an authority under the Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India. It plays a crucial role in managing, coordinating, and overseeing ordnance production by public sector units. DOO(C&S) serves as the regulatory body overseeing Indian Ordnance Factories and its administrative civil service, the Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS).
Previously known as the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), the Government of India restructured 41 ordnance factories into seven Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) in 2021. However, in 2024, the government announced the re-merger of these units to optimize the production cycle.
Historical Background
The legacy of Indian Ordnance Factories predates major Indian institutions like the Indian Army and Indian Railways. The roots of Indian ordnance production can be traced back to 1712, with the establishment of a gunpowder factory at Ichapur by the Dutch Ostend Company. Subsequently, several new factories were established during the 18th and 19th centuries under British rule.
Key Milestones
| Year | Event |
| 1712 | Dutch Ostend Company established a gunpowder factory at Ichapur. |
| 1775 | Establishment of the Ordnance Board at Fort William, Kolkata. |
| 1787 | Second gunpowder factory established at Ishapore. |
| 1791 | Gunpowder production started at Ishapore. |
| 1801 | Establishment of the Gun Carriage Agency in Cossipore, Kolkata. |
| 1802 | Production began at the Cossipore Factory on March 18. |
| 1935 | Introduction of the Indian Ordnance Service for managing defence production. |
| 1954 | Renaming of the Indian Ordnance Service to the Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS) |
| 1979 | Establishment of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) on April 2. |
| 2021 | OFB disbanded and reorganized into seven DPSUs. |
| 2024 | Government announced the merger of these DPSUs. |
Contribution to Indian Defence and Industry
Indian Ordnance Factories have significantly strengthened India’s defence system by supplying arms and ammunition to the armed forces during wartime. These factories have also contributed to India’s industrial revolution, facilitating the establishment of industries related to steel, aluminum, copper, and chemicals. Furthermore, they have played a role in the foundation of leading research organizations like ISRO, DRDO, BDL, BEL, BEML, and SAIL.
Restructuring of OFB into Seven DPSUs
On June 17, 2021, the Ministry of Defence announced the restructuring of OFB into seven Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) to enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and modernization. From October 1, 2021, the management and operations of all ordnance factories were handed over to these newly formed DPSUs:
- Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL)
- Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVANI)
- Gliders India Limited (GIL)
- India Optel Limited (IOL)
- Munitions India Limited (MIL)
- Troop Comforts Limited (TCL)
- Yantra India Limited (YIL)
Structure and Management
Headquarters
DOO(C&S) operates from various locations across India:
- Ordnance Bhawan, Kolkata (Headquarters)
- Armoured Vehicles Headquarters, Chennai
- Ordnance Equipment Factory Headquarters, Kanpur
- DOO(C&S) New Delhi Office
- Ordnance Factory Cell, Mumbai
- Ordnance Factory Recruitment Centre, Nagpur
Governing Board
The management of ordnance factories was previously handled by a governing board led by the Director General of Ordnance Factories (DGOF). The board comprised nine members, each holding the position of an Additional DGOF. The factories were divided into five major divisions:
- Ammunition & Explosives
- Weapons, Vehicles & Equipment
- Materials & Components
- Armoured Vehicles
- Ordnance Equipment Group
Major Ordnance Factories in India
| Factory Name | Location | State | DPSU |
| Ordnance Factory Khadki (AFK) | Pune | Maharashtra | Munitions India Limited |
| Cordite Factory, Aruvankadu (CFA) | Aruvankadu | Tamil Nadu | Munitions India Limited |
| Engine Factory, Avadi (EFA) | Chennai | Tamil Nadu | Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited |
| Gun Carriage Factory, Jabalpur (GCF) | Jabalpur | Madhya Pradesh | Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited |
| Heavy Vehicles Factory, Chennai (HVF) | Chennai | Tamil Nadu | Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited |
| Metal and Steel Factory, Ishapore (MSF) | Ishapore | West Bengal | Yantra India Limited |
| Ordnance Factory Kanpur (OFC) | Kanpur | Uttar Pradesh | Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited |
| Rifle Factory, Ishapore (RFI) | Ishapore | West Bengal | Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited |
| Small Arms Factory (SAF) | Kanpur | Uttar Pradesh | Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited |
| Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ) | Jabalpur | Madhya Pradesh | Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited |
Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS)
The Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS) is a Group A civil service under the Ministry of Defence. IOFS officers manage research, production, and administration. This service includes engineers, scientists, legal experts, commerce, and management specialists.
Products and Exports
Key defence equipment manufactured by ordnance factories:
- Small Arms: Revolvers, pistols, rifles
- Ammunition: Bombs, grenades, cartridges
- Military Vehicles: Armoured tanks, troop carriers
- Explosives and Propellants
- Optical Instruments and Parachutes
India exports ordnance products to over 30 countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam, Nepal, and Singapore.
Conclusion
DOO(C&S) plays a crucial role in India’s defence preparedness. The planned merger of the seven DPSUs in 2024 aims to enhance efficiency and streamline production. The organization continues to contribute to national security through innovation and modernization.
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