New Delhi, Feb 2 (NationPress) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has sanctioned the award of 'Miniratna' Category-I status to Yantra India Limited (YIL), as confirmed by an official on Monday.

Extending his congratulations to the Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) for its impressive transition from a government body to a profitable corporate entity within a brief period of roughly four years, the Defence Minister expressed his contentment regarding the initiatives implemented by YIL's management to boost the company's turnover, enhance indigenisation, and fulfill other performance benchmarks required for the Miniratna (Category-I) status.

The YIL has marked notable achievements since its inception, showcasing remarkable sales growth from Rs 956.32 crore in 2021-22 (H2) to Rs 3,108.79 crore in FY 2024-25.

Furthermore, in terms of exports, there has been a notable increase from NIL in FY 2021-22 (H2) to Rs 321.77 crore in FY 2024-25.

The primary offerings of YIL encompass Carbon Fibre Composites, assembly products for Medium and Large Calibre Ammunition, armoured vehicles, Artillery Guns, Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), Glass Composites, and Aluminum Alloys.

The Miniratna (Category-I) Status grants YIL's Board the authority to allocate capital expenditure for new initiatives, modernisation, and equipment procurement up to Rs 500 crore without the necessity for government endorsement, as stated.

This development will significantly enable the company to embark on an accelerated growth path and achieve new milestones in defence production and exports.

The government had restructured the former Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) into seven new DPSUs on October 1, 2021, aimed at enhancing functional autonomy, efficiency, fostering innovation, and stimulating growth within the defence manufacturing domain.

YIL is among the newly established Schedule 'A' DPSUs operating under the purview of the Department of Defence Production.

In May 2025, Rajnath Singh had also endorsed the conferral of Miniratna-I Status to three of the seven DPSUs: Munitions India Limited, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, and India Optel Limited.

"This decision highlights the Union government's ongoing commitment to the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', with a strong emphasis on developing indigenous capabilities in defence manufacturing, research, and strategic technologies," the statement elaborated.

"This aligns with broader defence reforms aimed at decreasing import reliance, bolstering domestic defence production, encouraging Indian industry participation, and positioning India as a global hub for defence manufacturing," it concluded.