The private showcase had ignited a firestorm of interest in Anant Defence Limited's products. What had started as a showcase of innovation had rapidly transformed into a significant operational challenge. As orders flooded in from various branches of the Indian security apparatus and beyond, the scale of our enterprise began to shift dramatically.
The first wave of orders came from Indian states, each recognizing the value of our advanced firearms and protective gear. The Odisha, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand police forces placed substantial orders, reflecting the growing confidence in our products.
Odisha: 5,500 firearms, 7,000 body armor, and 7,000 helmets. Firearms: At ₹35,000 each, the cost totaled ₹19.25 crores. Body Armors: Priced at ₹22,000 each, the total was ₹15.40 crores. Helmets: At ₹8,000 each, the cost amounted to ₹5.6 crores
Total Cost: ₹40.25 crores
Bihar: 6,000 firearms, 8,000 body armors, and 8,000 helmets. Firearms: At ₹35,000 each, the total came to ₹21 crores. Body Armors: Costing ₹22,000 each, the total was ₹17.60 crores. Helmets: At ₹8,000 each, the cost was ₹6.4 crores.
Total Cost: ₹45 crores
Chhattisgarh: 5,800 firearms, 7,500 body armors, and 7,500 helmets.
Firearms: At ₹35,000 each, the total was ₹20.3 crores. Body Armors: Priced at ₹22,000 each, the total was ₹16.5 crores. Helmets: At ₹8,000 each, the cost amounted to ₹6 crores.
Total Cost: ₹42.8 crores
Jharkhand: 7,000 firearms, 8,200 body armors, and 8,200 helmets.
Firearms: At ₹35,000 each, the cost totaled ₹24.5 crores. Body Armors: At ₹22,000 each, the total was ₹18.04 crores. Helmets: At ₹8,000 each, the cost was ₹6.56 crores.
Total Cost: ₹49.1 crores
The combined cost of these state contracts amounted to ₹177.15 crores, marking a significant entry into the regional defence market.
The Delhi Police also placed a substantial order, reflecting their urgent need for modern equipment:
Delhi Police: 3,500 firearms, 4,500 body armors, and 4,500 helmets.
Firearms: At ₹35,000 each, the cost totaled ₹12.25 crores. Body Armors: Costing ₹22,000 each, the total was ₹9.9 crores. Helmets: Priced at ₹8,000 each, the cost amounted to ₹3.6 crores
Total Cost: ₹25.75 crores
The Indian Army's order was a landmark achievement:
Indian Army: 76,000 firearms, 86,000 body armors, and 86,000 helmets.
Firearms: Priced at ₹35,000 each, the total came to ₹266 crores. Body Armors: At ₹22,000 each, the cost totaled ₹189.2 crores. Helmets: At ₹8,000 each, the total was ₹68.8 crores.
Total Contract Value: ₹524 crores
As word of our success spread, international buyers began showing interest. The Nepalese Army was one of the first to respond, placing a significant order:
Nepalese Army: 2,000 firearms, 2,500 body armors, and 2,500 helmets.
Firearms: At ₹35,000 each, the total cost was ₹7 crores . Body Armors: Priced at ₹22,000 each, the cost amounted to ₹5.5 crores. Helmets: At ₹8,000 each, the total was ₹2 crores .
Total Cost: ₹14.5 crores
The Indian government also issued several key contracts to bolster national security:
Border Security Force (BSF): 10,000 firearms, 15,000 body armors, and 15,000 helmets.
Firearms: At ₹32,000 each, the cost totaled ₹32 crores. Body Armors: At ₹20,000 each, the total was ₹30 crores. Helmets: At ₹8,000 each, the cost was ₹12 crores.
Total Cost: ₹74 crores
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP): 8,000 firearms, 12,000 body armors, and 12,000 helmets.
Firearms: Priced at ₹32,000 each, the total was ₹25.6 crores. Body Armors: At ₹20,000 each, the cost was ₹24 crores. Helmets: At ₹8,000 each, the total was ₹9.6 crores.
Total Cost: ₹59.2 crores
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB): 9,000 firearms, 13,000 body armors, and 13,000 helmets.
Firearms: At ₹32,000 each, the total came to ₹28.8 crores. Body Armors: Priced at ₹22,000 each, the cost was ₹28.6 crores. Helmets: At ₹8,000 each, the total was ₹10.4 crores.
Total Cost: ₹67.8 crores
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF): 11,000 firearms, 14,000 body armors, and 14,000 helmets.
Firearms: At ₹32,000 each, the total was ₹35.2 crores. Body Armors: Priced at ₹22,000 each, the cost amounted to ₹30.8 crores. Helmets: At ₹8,000 each, the total was ₹11.2 crores.
Total Cost: ₹ 77.2 crores
The combined total of these government contracts was ₹278.2 crores, underscoring the significant role Anant Defence Limited was beginning to play in national security.
With the surge in orders, managing production and logistics became crucial. I convened a series of strategic meetings with our senior management team to tackle the challenges associated with scaling up operations. Our focus was on optimizing production, ensuring timely deliveries, and maintaining the highest standards of quality.
Zero, ever the analytical presence, provided invaluable insights. "Prithviraj, the increase in orders is a positive sign, but it necessitates meticulous planning. We must enhance our production capabilities and refine our supply chain to manage the higher volume."
Delivery Schedule:
Fulfilling these large orders required a well-coordinated approach. Delivery start as Holi coming in march 2000, first we start production in advance before getting order we have some stock of already manufacture pieces , we just have assemble them .we were able complete delivery to Indian Army within 100 days of order as many step down control by ZERO which help reducing time for manufacturing and assembling.
we complete all production till July 2000 and all remain is assembly . With help of ZERO and ONE we completed our delivery till Diwali end of September 2000.
Each stage of the process was meticulously planned:
Final Product Inspection: Every item underwent rigorous quality control to ensure it met our standards. Inspectors checked for any defects or inconsistencies, and only those that passed the inspection were approved for shipment.
Packaging: Products were carefully packaged to prevent damage during transit. Specialized packing materials were used to protect firearms, body armors, and helmets. Each package was labeled with detailed information about its contents and destination.
Shipping: Coordinating the shipment of such large volumes required logistical precision. We partnered with reliable transportation companies that had experience in handling sensitive and high-value cargo. Shipments were tracked in real-time, and secure routes were chosen to minimize risks with military and police force help .
Logistical Challenges: Ensuring timely deliveries posed several challenges. Transportation routes were analyzed for potential disruptions, and contingency plans were developed. Security measures included discreet transport and monitoring to prevent theft or tampering.
To address these needs, we implemented several measures. We expanded our workforce to meet the production demands, upgraded our manufacturing facilities with advanced technology, and streamlined our logistics processes. Dedicated teams were established to handle client relationships, ensuring that each order was managed effectively from start to finish.
Government Permission for Foreign Sales:
With international interest growing, obtaining permission for foreign sales became a priority. The process involved several bureaucratic steps:
Application Submission: We submitted detailed applications to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) outlining the specifics of the foreign sales contracts. This included product specifications, quantities, and end-user information.
Political Negotiations: I engaged in high-level negotiations to expedite approvals. These discussions involved demonstrating the strategic benefits of our sales, such as strengthening regional alliances and enhancing India's defense industry reputation.
Ethical Considerations: The decision to sell to specific countries required careful consideration of the potential geopolitical impact. Ethical dilemmas arose about ensuring our products were used responsibly and not contributing to regional conflicts. We conducted thorough background checks and worked with international agencies to ensure compliance with global arms regulations.
Approval Process: The MoD,
After getting Approval in JULY 2000, we completed Nepal Delivery in 45 days
Zero, ever the analytical presence, provided invaluable insights. "Prithviraj, the increase in orders is a positive sign, but it necessitates meticulous planning. We must enhance our production capabilities and refine our supply chain to manage the higher volume."
Reflecting on our journey, I was filled with a sense of accomplishment. What began as a vision to improve defence technology has evolved into a thriving enterprise with a growing impact on both national and international security.
The role of Zero had been indispensable in this process. As we looked to the future, I knew that continued innovation and strategic planning would be essential in maintaining our position as a leader in the defence industry.
The positive reception of our products has set the stage for further advancements. I envisioned expanding our technology, exploring new markets, and forging additional partnerships with security agencies. The success of our current contracts had created a strong foundation, and I was determined to build on this momentum.
Anant Defence Limited was not just a company; it was a commitment to excellence, driven by a promise to provide the best equipment to those who protect and serve. With Zero's support and the dedication of our team, we were poised to make a lasting impact on the security landscape.