Kalyani Group Targets Defence Manufacturing Shortages in the West, Aims for Export Growth.

With a growing global shortage of defence hardware and manufacturing capabilities, Kalyani Group is positioning itself as a key supplier to Western armed forces, including the U.S., France, and the U.K., Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge Ltd, Baba Kalyani, said on Wednesday.

“The defence export markets are opening up, and we hope to become a supplier to major global armies. The whole defence story for us is yet to be played out,” Kalyani stated. He noted that while European nations possess advanced military technology, they face significant gaps in manufacturing capacity.

To cater to rising demand, the Kalyani Group has established a new defence manufacturing plant in Jejuri, near Pune. Operated under Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bharat Forge, the facility will focus on artillery systems and protected vehicles for both domestic and export markets.

Kalyani revealed that the company has already made significant strides in artillery production. “We exported artillery guns to Europe even before supplying them to the Indian Army. Last year, we delivered 100 guns to European nations, and this year, the opportunity is even bigger. Our goal is to become the world’s largest artillery producer by 2030,” he said.

India's long-awaited artillery modernization plan, which requires upgrading 4,500 guns, is now underway, Kalyani added. Alongside artillery systems, the company is also manufacturing protected vehicles used in India and Africa.

The adoption of AI and digital technologies has accelerated product development, cutting the time from concept to production in half, he noted. The company is also working on unmanned defence systems across land, air, and underwater domains.

Highlighting the export potential, Kalyani stated, “Last year, exports accounted for 90% of our defence sales, and this year, they are expected to contribute 80%.” He emphasized that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has reinforced the importance of artillery in modern warfare.

Amit Kalyani, Vice-Chairman and Joint Managing Director of Bharat Forge, underscored the strategic significance of the new Jejuri plant. Spanning 3 lakh sq. ft., the facility features a multi-model flexible layout, integrated testing capabilities, and a highly skilled workforce. It will serve as a crucial hub for producing indigenous artillery systems and specialist defence vehicles, aligning with India's ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

Bharat Forge has invested in the facility in anticipation of major defence contracts from both domestic and international markets. The plant will manufacture India’s Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS), 155 mm howitzers designed to enhance the country’s artillery capabilities. Following approvals from the Ministry of Defence, Bharat Forge has also begun exporting these advanced systems to friendly nations.

Strategically located with access to key suppliers and major highways, the Jejuri facility is expected to drive India's next phase of defence manufacturing excellence, reinforcing its role as a global defence exporter.

HBL