Bharat Forge inks two global defence deals to boost aerospace footprint

The agreements?one with a UK-based partner focused on advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and another with a UAE-based firm involving the supply of long-range artillery systems?represent a significant milestone in BFL?s strategy to enter high-value defence manufacturing and boost its export portfolio.

At the DSEI 2025 exhibition in London, BFL signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Windracers, a UK-based manufacturer of the ULTRA heavy-lift UAV. The two-year partnership will focus on deploying and localising the ULTRA platform in India, supporting military and civil applications including carrier onboard delivery for the Navy, high-altitude logistics for the Army and Air Force, and operations in remote or difficult terrain. The collaboration aligns with the UK-India Free Trade Agreement and the India-UK Vision 2035, promoting joint innovation and aerospace technology transfer.

Amit Kalyani, Joint MD of Bharat Forge, said the partnership enhances India?s indigenous UAV ecosystem and meets critical tri-service logistics needs. Windracers ULTRA, with its six-to-seven-hour endurance, large payload capacity, and proven performance in challenging environments like Antarctica, is well-suited for India?s diverse operational conditions.

Simon Muderack, CEO of Windracers, highlighted that the partnership brings operational autonomy to India?s UAV capabilities while scaling dual-use applications.

In a parallel development, Kalyani Strategic Systems (KSSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of BFL, signed a landmark agreement in Abu Dhabi with MP3 International, part of the UAE?s EDGE Group. Under the deal, KSSL will supply 155mm howitzer barrels, a critical component used globally for long-range, high-explosive firepower. This is the first such contract between Indian and Emirati companies for large-calibre defence systems.

The partnership is expected to strengthen defence cooperation between India and the UAE, while also opening export opportunities in Southeast Asia and the wider MENA region.

Neelesh Tungar, CEO of KSSL, said the agreement reinforces Bharat Forge?s role in global defence manufacturing. Khalifa Al Ali, CEO of MP3 International, noted the deal reflects EDGE Group?s strategic focus on enhancing bilateral ties and expanding the regional defence ecosystem.

Together, these partnerships represent a significant milestone in Bharat Forge?s global expansion strategy. They support India?s self-reliance goals under Aatmanirbhar Bharat, boost export potential, and deepen defence collaboration with two of India?s key strategic partners?the UK and UAE.

Bharat Forge manufactures an extensive array of critical and safety components for several sectors, including automobiles (across commercial & passenger vehicles), oil & gas, aerospace, locomotives, marine, energy (across renewable and non-renewable sources), construction, mining, and general engineering.

The company reported a 62.60% year-on-year (YoY) increase in consolidated net profit to Rs 283.87 crore in Q1 FY25, compared to Rs 174.58 crore in the same quarter last year. However, revenue from operations declined 4.80% YoY to Rs 3,908.75 crore for the quarter ended 30 June 2025.

Shares of Bharat Forge rose 0.82% to Rs 1,221.30 on the BSE.

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