Ordnance Factory Day is observed in India every March 18 to commemorate the foundation anniversary of the country's oldest ordnance factory and to highlight the significance of India's defense industry. The first ordnance factory in India was established in 1712, with the oldest existing factory beginning production on this date in 1802. This day recognizes the contributions of the Ordnance Factory Board, the oldest government-operated organization in India, which has played a crucial role in supplying the Indian Armed Forces and supporting the Industrial Revolution in the Indian Subcontinent. Various ordnance factories are located across states such as Bihar, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, with major concentrations in cities like Chennai, Jabalpur, Kanpur, and Kolkata. These factories produce a wide range of defense-related products, including small arms, missiles, and military vehicles, serving not only the armed forces but also exporting to over 30 countries worldwide. The observance of Ordnance Factory Day underscores the vital role these factories have played in the development of India's economy and industry.