Bharat Forge to form defence joint venture with Israel's Elbit Systems

Bharat Forge, part of $2.5-billion Kalyani Group and Israeli defence contractor Elbit Systems yesterday agreed to form a joint venture company (JVC) to supply advanced artillery and mortar systems to the Indian military.

"The strategic co-operation between Elbit and Bharat Forge will address Indian defence requirements that have been customised and adapted for Indian conditions and armoured vehicles upgrades established by Bharat Forge recently in India," said Baba Kalyani, chairman and managing director of Bharat Forge.

Subject to government and regulatory approvals, the new venture will offer solutions in the artillery guns and mortars segment based on Elbit's technology such as the ATHOS 155/52 Towed Gun System, the ATMOS 155/52 Mounted Gun System and the upgraded 130 mm M46 Gun to a 155/45 Gun (KARAN).

The joint venture will bring together Elbit's cutting edge technology and system integration capabilities and Bharat Forge's advanced capabilities in the areas of design, engineering, manufacturing, testing and validation.

Haifa-based Elbit makes defence equipment for the aerospace, land and navy, which includes command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, unmanned aircraft systems, advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, EW suites, airborne warning systems, ELINT systems, data links and military communications systems and radios.

The Nasdaq and Tel Aviv Stock Exchange-listed company also undertakes upgradation of existing military platforms, developing new technologies for defence, homeland security and commercial aviation applications and providing a range of support services.