Bharat Forge Awarded ₹300 Crore Contracts to Enhance Indigenous Unmanned Defence Systems
Bharat Forge has announced the acquisition of defence contracts valued at around ₹300 crore under the Emergency Procurement–VI (EP-VI) initiative. This development marks a significant advancement in India's self-reliance in unmanned systems and contributes to the rapid modernization of its defence capabilities.
The EP-VI contracts, awarded for the Indian Army and intended for the Indian Navy's use, encompass a variety of domestically developed unmanned platforms. These platforms are designed to fulfill urgent operational needs across various terrains and mission profiles.
Indigenous Unmanned Platforms Inducted
Among the systems included in these contracts are Omega One, Omega Nine, Bayonet, and Cleaver, which are designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) roles, as well as loitering munitions. These platforms, conceived and constructed within India, align with the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and the Armed Forces' goal of enhancing capabilities swiftly through domestic industry engagement.
Army Day Showcase Signals Readiness
Bharat Forge showcased its unmanned technologies during the Army Day Parade in Jaipur on January 15, where Omega One was exhibited atop an upgraded BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle. This demonstration, conducted before senior military leaders, emphasized the system's operational readiness and the increasing role of indigenous engineering in modern military solutions.
Industry Confidence Under Emergency Procurement
The EP-VI framework requires tight delivery schedules without sacrificing quality, reliability, or scalability, according to the company. The awarding of these contracts demonstrates a growing confidence within the defence sector in the Indian industry's capability to deliver sophisticated and urgent technologies.
Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman and Joint Managing Director, commented that securing the EP-VI contracts and showcasing Omega One on Army Day reaffirm the company's dedication to developing India-specific, electronically resilient, and combat-ready unmanned systems for the Armed Forces.
Focus on Autonomy and AI
Bharat Forge is committed to expanding its unmanned portfolio with cutting-edge autonomy, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making technologies. These advancements aim to enhance endurance, precision, survivability, and adaptability in challenging operational settings.
By investing in design, manufacturing, and next-generation autonomy technologies, Bharat Forge is establishing itself as a crucial component of India's unmanned and autonomous defence framework. This effort supports the Armed Forces while reducing reliance on imported critical technologies.
