Sigma Advanced Systems Ltd (Sigma) has secured a $104.9 million (about ₹1,013 crore) export order from a North American customer for the manufacture and supply of 147,000 units of 155mm base bleed artillery shell bodies, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey up the global defence manufacturing value chain.
The order, one of the largest export contracts secured by the company, will be executed over the next six to 12 months and comes at a time when demand for advanced artillery ammunition is surging worldwide amid increased defence modernisation and military preparedness.
Advanced ammunition capability
The latest contract marks a technological leap for Sigma, which has steadily expanded its expertise in artillery ammunition systems.
Having previously secured export contracts for 155mm fuzes and M107 artillery shell bodies, the company is now manufacturing the more sophisticated 155mm base bleed shells, which combine aerodynamics, energetics, propulsion technologies and advanced systems engineering.
The move reflects Sigma’s strategy of progressing from component manufacturing to producing high-value, technologically advanced defence products for global customers.
The programme involves manufacturing precision-engineered artillery projectile casings designed for integration into extended-range ammunition systems.
Why base bleed shells matter
Unlike conventional artillery shells that experience significant aerodynamic drag during flight, base bleed projectiles incorporate a gas-generating unit at the rear of the shell.
The technology reduces drag and turbulence behind the projectile, enabling it to travel significantly farther while remaining fully compatible with existing 155mm artillery platforms deployed by armed forces around the world.
The growing emphasis on long-range precision firepower has made base bleed ammunition one of the most sought-after categories in the global defence market.
Riding the global defence boom
The order comes amid rising global defence spending, with several countries accelerating investments in artillery modernisation, ammunition stockpiling and enhanced battlefield capabilities.
By securing this programme, Sigma strengthens its position in the international defence supply chain and reinforces its credentials as a reliable export-oriented manufacturer capable of delivering precision-engineered products at scale.
The company said the order is expected to be margin accretive, contributing positively to overall profitability while serving as an important reference project for securing future international contracts and strategic partnerships.
Order reflects confidence of global customers
Sigma Advanced Systems Ltd CEO and Executive Director Sunil Kalidindi said the order reflects the confidence global customers have in the company’s manufacturing capabilities.
“Defence manufacturing is ultimately built on trust, earned through consistent execution, uncompromising quality, and the ability to scale complex programmes. Such contracts reflect the confidence global customers place in Sigma’s manufacturing capabilities and reinforce our ambition to become a long-term partner to leading defence organisations across global markets,” he said