Pune, May 25, 2025 – NIBE Limited, a leading Indian defence and aerospace manufacturer based in Pune, has secured a significant export order worth USD 17.52 million (approximately ₹150.62 crore) from a prominent Israel-based technology firm. The contract, announced on May 24, 2025, involves the manufacturing and supply of advanced Universal Rocket Launchers with a range of up to 300 kilometers, marking a historic milestone as the first time such a long-range system will be produced in India for the global market. This deal underscores NIBE’s growing prominence in the international defence sector and strengthens India’s position as a hub for high-tech defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
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NIBE Limited-Israel: Details of the Deal
The export order, disclosed through a regulatory filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), involves NIBE Limited producing Universal Rocket Launchers, sophisticated systems comparable to Israel’s Precise and Universal Launching System (PULS) developed by Elbit Systems.
These launchers are designed to deploy a wide range of rockets and munitions, offering versatility and precision for modern warfare. The contract is set to be executed by November 2027, with NIBE leveraging its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Chakan, Pune, to fulfill the order. The deal is expected to enhance India-Israel defence ties and boost NIBE’s global market presence.
Key Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Order Value | USD 17.52 million (₹150.62 crore) |
Client | Israel-based technology firm (OEM, name undisclosed) |
Product | Universal Rocket Launchers (300 km range) |
Execution Timeline | By or before November 2027 |
Manufacturing Location | Chakan, Pune, India |
NIBE Limited-Universal Rocket Launchers: Strategic Significance
The order is a landmark achievement for NIBE Limited and India’s defence industry. It highlights the country’s growing expertise in producing advanced, combat-ready systems, such as rocket launchers with drone integration capabilities. Defence analysts have praised the deal as a testament to India’s advancements in high-end military manufacturing, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of self-reliance. The contract also strengthens India-Israel strategic relations, building on their history of defence collaboration. NIBE’s role in this project positions India as a competitive player in the global defence export market, contributing to the nation’s ambition to become a defence manufacturing hub.
“This order not only marks a major step forward in NIBE Limited’s international expansion but also strengthens India’s strategic position in the field of modern warfare systems,” the company stated in its BSE filing. The deal follows the success of India’s indigenous weapons in operations like Operation Sindoor, which demonstrated their superiority over competing systems, further boosting confidence in Indian defence manufacturers.
NIBE-Israel, Universal Rocket Launchers Deal: Market Impact and Stock Performance
Following the announcement, NIBE Limited’s shares gained significant attention in the stock market. On May 23, 2025, the stock closed at ₹1,530.50, slightly down from its opening price of ₹1,549.50. However, the stock has shown strong performance, trading 7.7% higher over the past month. NIBE’s shares hit a 52-week high of ₹2,245.40 on August 7, 2024, and a 52-week low of ₹753.05 on March 19, 2025, reflecting its volatility and growth potential. The deal has further fueled investor optimism, with the company’s market capitalization standing at approximately ₹2,178 crore as of April 2025.
NIBE Limited’s Role in India’s Defence Ecosystem
NIBE Limited, originally established in 2005 as Kavita Fabrics Limited, has transformed into a key player in India’s defence sector since its rebranding in 2020. The company specializes in fabricating critical components for programs like the Pinaka rocket launchers, MRSAM, and BrahMos missiles, and has partnerships with entities like Munitions India Limited for ammunition production. Its advanced manufacturing facilities in Pune and Bengaluru, equipped with technologies like CNC milling, plasma cutting, and automated welding, enable it to meet stringent defence standards. This latest order from Israel reinforces NIBE’s capability to deliver world-class defence solutions.
India-Israel Defence Collaboration
The deal reflects the deepening defence partnership between India and Israel, two nations with a long history of collaboration in military technology. Israel, a global leader in defence innovation, has previously partnered with Indian firms for systems like the Barak-8 missile defence system. The Universal Rocket Launcher order is seen as a step toward joint production and technology transfer, potentially paving the way for further collaborations. The deal also aligns with India’s efforts to export indigenous defence systems, reducing reliance on imports and enhancing global competitiveness.
Challenges and Considerations
While the order is a significant achievement, challenges remain. The identity of the Israel-based OEM was not disclosed, leading to speculation about the client, with some sources suggesting a connection to Elbit Systems due to similarities with their PULS system. Additionally, NIBE’s reliance on trading goods for a significant portion of its revenue (₹161 crore in FY2024) has raised concerns about its competitive edge in value-added manufacturing. Investors are advised to verify project timelines and financial disclosures, given past discrepancies in NIBE’s reporting, such as claims about the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) program.
Universal Rocket Launchers Deal: Future Outlook
The ₹150.62 crore order positions NIBE Limited for further growth in the global defence market. With its focus on indigenous production and strategic partnerships, the company is well-placed to capitalize on India’s expanding defence export opportunities. The deal also enhances NIBE’s reputation as a reliable manufacturer of advanced military systems, potentially attracting more international contracts. As India aims to bolster its defence exports, NIBE’s role in producing cutting-edge systems like the Universal Rocket Launcher will be crucial in achieving the nation’s strategic and economic goals.
NIBE-Israel, Universal Rocket Launchers Deal: Conclusion
NIBE Limited’s $17.52 million contract with an Israel-based firm for Universal Rocket Launchers is a landmark achievement for the company and India’s defence sector. By manufacturing these advanced systems in Pune, NIBE is contributing to the Make in India vision while strengthening India’s global defence presence. The deal, set to be completed by November 2027, highlights NIBE’s manufacturing prowess and India’s growing role in modern warfare technology. As the company continues to innovate and expand, this order marks a pivotal step toward establishing India as a global defence manufacturing powerhouse.
Disclaimer: Information compiled from recent reports available on public domain. Investors are encouraged to conduct due diligence before making financial decisions.