Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) has taken a significant step to strengthen its global presence in the defence and aerospace sectors by signing two major international agreements. These deals, inked at prominent defence exhibitions and meetings in London and Abu Dhabi, highlight BFL’s commitment to expanding its high-value defence manufacturing capabilities while boosting its export portfolio.
Strategic Partnerships Overview
The two agreements encompass:
- A UK-Based UAV Partnership – Bharat Forge signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Windracers, a UK manufacturer of ULTRA heavy-lift unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This two-year partnership aims to deploy and localize the ULTRA platform in India, supporting military and civil operations such as:
- Carrier onboard delivery for the Navy
- High-altitude logistics for the Army and Air Force
- Operations in remote or difficult terrain
The collaboration aligns with the UK-India Free Trade Agreement and the India-UK Vision 2035, emphasizing technology transfer, joint innovation, and capacity building in India’s UAV ecosystem.
Amit Kalyani, Joint MD of Bharat Forge, said the partnership enhances India’s indigenous UAV capabilities, addressing critical tri-service logistics needs. Windracers’ ULTRA UAVs are known for their 6–7 hour endurance, large payload capacity, and proven performance in extreme environments such as Antarctica, making them well-suited for India’s diverse operational conditions.
Simon Muderack, CEO of Windracers, highlighted that the partnership will provide operational autonomy for India’s UAV fleet, while scaling dual-use applications for military and civilian purposes.
- UAE-Based Long-Range Artillery Deal – In Abu Dhabi, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of BFL, signed a landmark agreement with MP3 International, part of the UAE’s EDGE Group. Under this contract, KSSL will supply 155mm howitzer barrels, a crucial component for long-range, high-explosive artillery systems.
This deal marks the first large-calibre defence systems contract between Indian and Emirati companies, reinforcing bilateral defence cooperation. It also opens opportunities for exports to Southeast Asia and the broader MENA region.
Neelesh Tungar, CEO of KSSL, stated that the agreement reinforces Bharat Forge’s role in global defence manufacturing, while Khalifa Al Ali, CEO of MP3 International, emphasized the deal reflects EDGE Group’s strategic focus on strengthening regional defence ecosystems.
Significance of the Partnerships
These two collaborations are strategic milestones for Bharat Forge, supporting:
- India’s self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) goals by localizing critical defence manufacturing capabilities
- Global export potential in aerospace, UAVs, and artillery systems
- Defence cooperation with key strategic partners – the UK and UAE
The agreements align with Bharat Forge’s long-term strategy to diversify into high-value defence manufacturing, particularly in the aerospace, unmanned systems, and artillery sectors, complementing its core engineering capabilities.
Company Profile and Performance
Bharat Forge manufactures a wide array of critical components for industries including:
- Automobiles (commercial & passenger vehicles)
- Oil & gas
- Aerospace
- Locomotives and marine
- Energy (renewable and non-renewable)
- Construction and mining
- General engineering
The company reported strong financial performance in Q1 FY25:
- Consolidated net profit: ₹283.87 crore, up 62.6% YoY
- Revenue from operations: ₹3,908.75 crore, down 4.8% YoY
These results underline the company’s resilience and growth trajectory, supporting continued expansion into high-value defence and aerospace sectors.
Outlook and Industry Implications
Bharat Forge’s new agreements signal India’s growing capabilities in global defence manufacturing, particularly in strategic and technologically advanced systems. By collaborating with international partners, BFL is not only enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities but also positioning itself as a key exporter of advanced defence technologies.
The deals also reflect broader trends in India’s defence sector:
- Strengthening global partnerships for technology transfer and innovation
- Expanding indigenous production of critical defence equipment
- Increasing exports and strategic reach in the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia
With these partnerships, Bharat Forge is set to play a pivotal role in India’s defence modernization program, while creating new opportunities for innovation, skill development, and economic growth.
Summary
- Deals Signed: Two major global agreements – with Windracers (UK) for UAVs and MP3 International (UAE) for 155mm howitzer barrels
- Objective: Strengthen BFL’s aerospace and defence manufacturing footprint, boost exports, and support India’s self-reliance in defence
- UK Partnership: Localize ULTRA heavy-lift UAVs for tri-service operations; aligns with India-UK Vision 2035
- UAE Partnership: Supply long-range artillery barrels; first India-UAE contract for large-calibre systems
- Company Impact: Expands global presence, enhances technology transfer, and aligns with high-value defence strategy
- Financials: Q1 FY25 net profit up 62.6% YoY to ₹283.87 crore; revenue slightly down 4.8% YoY
- Strategic Significance: Strengthens India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem and bolsters export opportunities in MENA and Southeast Asia
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