Bharat Forge Secures Defence Contracts Worth ₹1,962 Crore

Introduction

Pune-based Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) has solidified its position as a key player in India's defence sector by securing two major contracts with a combined value of approximately ₹1,962 crore. The deals, which include the supply of advanced unmanned aerial systems and a large quantity of close-quarter battle carbines, underscore the company's alignment with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative and its growing capabilities in indigenous defence manufacturing.

Drone Systems Contract for Army and Navy

Bharat Forge's aerospace division announced it has secured contracts worth around ₹300 crore to supply a range of unmanned systems to the Indian Army and Navy. This order was placed under the Emergency Procurement – VI (EP-VI) framework, which is designed to fast-track the acquisition of critical military hardware. The contract covers the delivery of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms and loitering munitions.

The specific platforms include the Omega One, Omega Nine, Bayonet, and Cleaver drone systems. These are indigenously developed to meet the urgent operational needs of the armed forces across diverse terrains and mission profiles. The company stated that its unmanned vehicle portfolio is rapidly evolving, with the integration of advanced autonomy, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making to enhance mission endurance, precision, and survivability in contested environments.

Strategic Showcase at Army Day Parade

A significant validation of Bharat Forge's capabilities came during the Army Day Parade in Jaipur on January 15, 2026. The company's Omega One UAV was displayed onboard an upgraded BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle, showcasing the system's integration with existing military platforms. This public display in front of India's top defence leadership served as a powerful endorsement of the company's homegrown technology.

Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman & Joint Managing Director of Bharat Forge, commented on the achievement, stating, "This dual achievement, securing EP-VI contracts and showcasing Omega One at Army Day, reaffirms BFL's commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat. We are proud to equip our Armed Forces with India-specific, EW-resistant, homegrown unmanned systems."

Landmark Deal for CQB Carbines

In addition to the drone contracts, Bharat Forge signed its largest-ever small arms contract with the Ministry of Defence in late December 2025. Valued at ₹1,661.9 crore, the deal is for the supply of 255,128 Close-Quarter Battle (CQB) carbines to the Indian Army. The contract is set to be executed over a five-year period.

The 5.56 x 45 mm CQB carbine is a compact firearm designed for maneuverability in tight combat situations. It was indigenously designed and developed through a joint effort between the Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), a part of DRDO, and Bharat Forge. This contract is a major step towards modernizing the Indian Army's small arms inventory with domestically produced weapons.

Summary of Recent Defence Contracts

Financial Health and Market Response

The series of high-value contracts has kept Bharat Forge's stock in focus. The company's shares have shown consistent growth, reflecting strong investor confidence. This positive market sentiment is supported by solid financial performance. For the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, ending September 30, 2025, Bharat Forge reported a net profit of ₹299 crore, a 23% year-on-year increase. Revenue from operations grew by 9.3% to ₹4,032 crore, while EBITDA rose 12% to ₹726 crore.

Bolstering India's Defence Ecosystem

These contracts are strategically significant as they bolster India's self-reliance in critical defence technologies. By leveraging its domestic production capacity, Bharat Forge aims to ensure rapid delivery timelines while maintaining high standards of quality and reliability. The company's sustained investments in design, manufacturing, and next-generation autonomy position it as a pivotal contributor to India's unmanned and autonomous systems ecosystem. These developments are crucial for strengthening the nation's strategic autonomy and supporting the long-term modernization goals of the Indian Armed Forces.

Conclusion

Bharat Forge's recent contract wins, totaling over ₹1,962 crore, mark a significant milestone for the company and for India's indigenous defence industry. The successful development and supply of advanced drones and modern carbines demonstrate a growing maturity in domestic manufacturing capabilities. As Bharat Forge continues to execute these large-scale orders, it is set to play an increasingly important role in equipping India's armed forces with credible, future-ready, and homegrown defence solutions.