In a significant development for India’s self-reliance in the defence sector, Baba Kalyani, the Chairman and Managing Director of the Kalyani Group—parent company of Bharat Forge—has unveiled the company’s extensive roadmap for the future.
Speaking recently to Chakra NewZ, Mr. Kalyani disclosed that the conglomerate is currently developing a staggering portfolio of 50 new products.
This massive undertaking is designed to provide comprehensive, home-grown solutions for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's journey towards 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India).
A Full-Spectrum Approach to Land Systems
The Group’s commitment to the Indian Army is already well-established, but these new initiatives signal a major leap forward in capability.Building on the success of the 155mm/52 calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS)—developed in partnership with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)—the company is diversifying its land systems.
Beyond artillery, the 50-product pipeline focuses heavily on mobility and firepower.
This includes advanced variants of the Kalyani M4, a mine-protected high-mobility vehicle that has already seen deployment in high-altitude areas like Ladakh.
The company is also advancing its work on the MaRG 155 (Multi-terrain Artillery Gun), a unique wheeled self-propelled howitzer designed for shoot-and-scoot operations in difficult terrain.
Further innovations are expected in the realm of precision-guided munitions and next-generation anti-tank systems, aiming to enhance the lethality and survivability of soldiers in modern combat scenarios.
Strengthening Maritime Capabilities
On the maritime front, the Kalyani Group is quietly but effectively expanding its footprint to support the Indian Navy.The company has moved beyond its traditional role of supplying heavy-duty forgings to becoming a developer of sophisticated subsystems.
The new product lineup is set to include critical propulsion shafting for warships and submarines, a domain where precision is paramount.
Furthermore, the group is venturing into the development of naval guns (such as 57mm and 127mm calibres) and underwater systems, including heavy-weight torpedoes.
These efforts are crucial for reducing the Navy's dependence on foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for maintenance and future fleet expansion.
Aerospace and Unmanned Systems
Perhaps the most technologically intensive expansion is occurring in the aerospace domain.Bharat Forge has made substantial investments in the high-precision manufacturing of titanium and super-alloy components required for jet engines and structural airframes.
The group is also making aggressive strides in the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) market.
Recent reports indicate the development of indigenous drone platforms such as the Omega series for surveillance and the Bayonet loitering munitions.
These platforms are designed to meet the Indian Air Force’s need for advanced, cost-effective aerial assets that can operate in contested airspaces.
Additionally, the group is positioning itself to supply critical components for future indigenous fighter programs, potentially including the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
Strategic Significance
Mr. Kalyani’s announcement highlights a strategic shift from being a component supplier to a primary integrator of complex defence systems.Developing 50 products simultaneously underscores a deep industrial confidence and a willingness to invest in long-term Research and Development (R&D).
In a geopolitical landscape where global supply chains are increasingly volatile, the ability to design, manufacture, and sustain defence equipment within India is a strategic imperative.
By bridging capability gaps across land, sea, and air, the Kalyani Group is not just participating in the government's modernisation drive but is actively shaping the future of Indian defence manufacturing.
