Yantra India Limited Granted Miniratna Category-I Status by Ministry of Defense

On February 2, 2026, the Defense Minister approved Miniratna Category-I status for Yantra India Limited, a defense PSU formed after the corporatization of the Ordnance Factory Board. In just four years, the company has moved from a government setup to a profit-making entity with strong sales and exports. This decision is being seen as a major boost to self-reliant defense production in India.

About Yantra India Limited

• Yantra India Limited is one of the seven Defense Public Sector Undertakings formed after the corporatization of the Ordnance Factory Board in October 2021.
• Operating under the Department of Defense Production, YIL focuses on high-end defense manufacturing.
• Its key products include carbon fibre composites, artillery gun assemblies, ammunition components, armoured vehicle systems and materials used in main battle tanks.
• The company plays a crucial role in strengthening India’s defense supply chain and reducing import dependence.

Why Miniratna Category-I Status Is Important

• Miniratna Category-I status gives Yantra India Limited greater financial and operational autonomy.
• With this status, the company’s Board can approve capital expenditure up to ₹500 crore for new projects, modernization and equipment purchase without seeking government approval.
• This flexibility allows faster decision-making, quicker technology upgrades and improved competitiveness.
• For defense manufacturing, such autonomy is critical as it helps PSUs respond swiftly to military requirements and global export opportunities.

Performance That Earned the Recognition

• Yantra India Limited has shown strong growth since its inception.
• Its sales increased from ₹956.32 crore in 2021-22 (H2) to ₹3,108.79 crore in FY 2024-25.
• Exports rose from zero to ₹321.77 crore during the same period.
• The Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh, praised YIL’s management for improving turnover, increasing indigenization and meeting key performance benchmarks in a short span of time.

Link with Defense Reforms and Aatmanirbhar Bharat

• The decision aligns with India’s broader defense reforms and the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• Corporatizing the Ordnance Factory Board aimed to improve efficiency, accountability and innovation in defense PSUs.
• Earlier, in May 2025, three other DPSUs also received Miniratna-I status.
• Granting this status to Yantra India reinforces the government’s commitment to building indigenous defense capabilities, promoting exports and positioning India as a global defense manufacturing hub.

Yantra India Limited Overview

• Type: Public Sector Undertaking (PSU)
• Industry: Defense Production
• Established: 1 October 2021
• Predecessor: Ordnance Factory Board (OFB)
• Ownership: Government of India

Headquarters

• Location: Ordnance Factory Ambajhari, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

Key Leadership

• Chairman & Managing Director: Gurudatt Ray, IOFS
• Director (Operations): Sharad K. Yadav, IOFS
• Director (Finance): Rakesh Singh Lal, IOFS

Core Products & Capabilities

• Forgings
• Castings
• Metal and steel components
• Defense-grade industrial materials

Maharatna, Navratna & Miniratna PSUs  Comparison Table

Key Summary at a Glance

Question

Q. Yantra India Limited received which status in February 2026?

A. Maharatna
B. Navratna
C. Miniratna Category-I
D. Schedule B PSU