Ordnance Factories’ Day in India: 18 March

The Ordnance Factories’ Day is observed on the 18th of March every year. The production of India’s oldest Ordnance Factory, which is at Cossipore of Kolkata, was started on the 18th of March, 1802. OFB is the 37th largest defence equipment manufacturer in the world, 2nd largest in Asia, and the largest in India.

The day is celebrated by displaying the rifles, guns, artillery, ammunition etc in exhibitions all over India. The celebrations start with a parade and the exhibition will also display the photographs of various mountaineering expeditions.

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Important facts of Ordnance Factory Board

• OFB is referred to as the “Fourth Arm of Defence” and the “Force Behind the Armed Forces” of India.
• OFB is functioning under the Department of Defence Production of the Ministry of Defence.
• The Indian Ordnance Factories supplies products to all three Indian Armed Forces. ie the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air force.
• The Arms and Ammunition, Weapon Spares, Chemicals & Explosives, Parachutes, Leather and Clothing items are being exported to more than 30 countries worldwide.

History of Ordnance Factory Board

OFB was founded in 1775 and its Headquarters is in Ayudh Bhawan, Kolkata. OFB consists of 41 Ordnance Factories, 9 Training Institutes, 3 Regional Marketing Centres and 5 Regional Controllerates of Safety, which is spread all over India.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Director-General & Chairman of Ordnance Factories: C S Vishwakarma.
• Headquarters of Ordnance Factory Board: Kolkata, West Bengal.

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