Bharat Forge Collaborates with US Defence Companies for Next-Gen Howitzers

Bharat Forge has announced plans for its subsidiary, Kalyani Strategic Systems, to sign a partnership agreement with US defence firms AM General and Mandus Group. This collaboration focuses on developing and manufacturing advanced artillery gun platforms tailored to the changing needs of modern armies.

The aim is to create compact, lightweight, rugged, and mobile artillery systems that can function effectively in various weather conditions and terrains. Bharat Forge said, “As the battlefield changes with near-peer adversaries, there is increasing demand for modern light artillery systems with enhanced firepower, precision strike, tactical mobility, and command & control capabilities.” This project will include the development of next-generation 105mm and 155mm artillery platforms that feature innovative technology to improve responsiveness, survivability, and transportability.

Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge, emphasized the importance of this partnership, saying, “This strategic collaboration aims to co-develop and co-produce the most versatile and innovative weapon systems.” The new platforms will optimize crew size by reducing logistics needs, delivering firepower and mobility while remaining lightweight and modular.

John Chadbourne, AM General's Executive Vice President for Business Development, underlined the collaboration's significance, saying, “AM General and Mandus Group are looking forward to exploring this collaboration with Kalyani and Bharat Forge to ultimately deliver advanced mobile artillery capabilities.” He added, “A partnership like this is a testament to our company’s commitment to be responsive and dynamic as the battlefield evolves.”

In a broader perspective, India’s defence production sector has reached significant milestones. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that defence production has achieved an all-time high of Rs.1.27 lakh crore for the 2023-24 fiscal year. He also pointed out that India is now exporting weapons and military hardware to over 90 friendly nations. Singh highlighted the increasing use of domestically manufactured platforms by Indian armed forces, illustrating the nation's growth on the global defence industrial landscape.

Additionally, India’s defence exports surpassed Rs.21,000 crore for the first time in 2023-24, with a government target set to raise this figure to Rs.50,000 crore over the next five years. The Indian armed forces are expected to spend approximately $130 billion on capital procurement by 2029, fueled by government initiatives to reduce reliance on imported military platforms and enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities.

To support this growth, the Indian government has established a goal of achieving a turnover of $25 billion (Rs.1.75 lakh crore) in defence manufacturing within five years. In May 2020, the government raised the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit in the defence sector from 49% to 74% under the automatic route, allowing 100% FDI in certain cases.

In the stock market, shares of Bharat Forge Ltd. are currently trading 1.06% lower at Rs.1,514, although the stock has appreciated over 20% this year, indicating investor confidence in the company’s strategic initiatives and the increasing demand for advanced defence systems.

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