Image Source: Manorama Yearbook
In a significant milestone for India’s defence industrial ecosystem, Hyderabad-based Lokesh Machines Ltd has officially been granted a registration certificate by the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA), enabling the company to manufacture defence-grade equipment and components. This certification, awarded on August 22, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the company’s transition from a traditional machine tool manufacturer to a strategic player in India’s defence and aerospace sector.
From CNC Tools to Combat Readiness
Founded in 1983, Lokesh Machines has long been recognized for its precision engineering and CNC machine tools. Over the past few years, however, the company has aggressively diversified into defence manufacturing, investing over ₹100 crore in a greenfield facility in Hyderabad dedicated to producing firearms and accessories.
The DGQA certification is a formal endorsement of the company’s capabilities to meet the stringent quality and reliability standards required by the Indian Armed Forces. It also opens the door for Lokesh Machines to participate in a broader range of defence tenders and supply contracts, both domestically and internationally.
What Is DGQA and Why It Matters
The Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) operates under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. It is responsible for ensuring that all arms, ammunition, equipment, and stores supplied to the Indian military meet rigorous quality benchmarks. A DGQA registration is not merely a bureaucratic checkbox—it is a seal of trust and credibility in the defence supply chain.
With this certification, Lokesh Machines joins a select group of Indian manufacturers authorized to produce and supply critical defence components, including small arms, modification kits, and aerospace-grade parts.
Recent Defence Contract Win: MMG Mod Kits
The DGQA certification comes on the heels of a major contract awarded to Lokesh Machines by the Indian Army. The company secured an order worth ₹17.68 crore from the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army), New Delhi, for the supply of modification kits for 7.62mm Medium Machine Guns (MMGs)4.
This contract, set to be executed within 12 months, underscores the Army’s confidence in Lokesh Machines’ manufacturing capabilities and its commitment to indigenization. The kits are expected to enhance the operational efficiency and ergonomics of existing MMGs deployed across various regiments.
Strategic Expansion and Ecosystem Development
Lokesh Machines isn’t just building weapons—it’s building an ecosystem. According to company director M. Srinivas, the defence and aerospace division was launched to contribute meaningfully to national security and to foster a network of precision part vendors near its Hyderabad facility.
This vendor development initiative aims to handhold smaller manufacturers and integrate them into the defence supply chain, thereby amplifying the impact of Lokesh Machines’ certification beyond its own operations.
Navigating International Challenges
Interestingly, Lokesh Machines has also been in the spotlight due to its inclusion on a U.S. sanctions list, allegedly for shipments linked to Russian defence procurement. Despite this, the Indian government has clarified that the company has not violated any domestic laws and continues to support its role in defence indigenization.
The DGQA certification and recent contract win signal that Lokesh Machines remains a trusted supplier for the Indian Armed Forces, even as it navigates complex geopolitical terrain.
What’s Next?
With DGQA certification in hand and a growing order book, Lokesh Machines is poised to become a cornerstone of India’s defence manufacturing ambitions. The company’s trajectory aligns with the government’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives, which aim to reduce dependence on foreign arms suppliers and boost domestic capabilities.
As India continues to modernize its military and expand its strategic autonomy, companies like Lokesh Machines will play a crucial role in shaping the future of national defence.
Sources: ipfonline.com, DGQA Official Website, Indian Defence News, Market Setup
Advertisement
Advertisement
