Bharat Forge Limited, India's largest forging and advanced engineering group, has taken a significant step towards enhancing India's unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities. The company announced a strategic partnership with UK-based Windracers Limited at the DSEI UK exhibition in London, marking a new era in UAV technology collaboration between the two nations.

Memorandum of Understanding Details

The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the deployment, localization, and application of Windracers' ULTRA Unmanned Aerial Vehicle across India. This partnership, set for an initial two-year term, aims to address emerging requirements in both military and civil sectors in India.

ULTRA UAV Capabilities

Windracers' ULTRA UAV boasts impressive specifications:

These capabilities make the ULTRA UAV particularly suited for:

• Carrier On Board Delivery (COD) operations for the Indian Navy
• Critical logistics support for the Indian Army and Air Force
• Operations in challenging environments, including high-altitude, maritime, and remote terrains

Strategic Implications

Amit Kalyani, Joint MD of Bharat Forge, emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership:

"Windracers ULTRA not only enhances India's indigenous UAV capabilities but also delivers robust solutions for high-stakes logistics across some of the world's most challenging geographies. With an industry-leading payload capacity and proven performance in high-altitude, maritime, and remote terrains, Windracers ULTRA is uniquely suited to tri-service needs."

The collaboration aligns with the Indian Ministry of Defence's 15-year roadmap, which prioritizes unmanned logistics, naval operations, high-altitude supply chains, and dual-use technologies.

Broader Context

This partnership builds upon the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, fostering aerospace technology transfer and innovation between the two countries. It also aligns with the goals outlined in the India-UK Vision 2035.

Simon Muderack, CEO of Windracers, highlighted the significance of the collaboration:

"Collaborating with Bharat Forge represents a major step in expanding the dual-use operation of Windracers ULTRA. Our partnership will leverage the years of ULTRA research, development, testing and operation, and deliver strategic benefits and operational autonomy for India's defence and civil stakeholders."

Future Prospects

The MoU paves the way for:

• Joint trials
• Localization efforts
• Potential definitive agreement for deployment in India

This strategic partnership is expected to play a crucial role in advancing UAV capabilities in India, supporting innovation, technology transfer, and strategic aerospace applications across defence and civil sectors.

As both companies embark on this collaborative journey, the Indian aerospace and defence sectors stand to benefit from the infusion of cutting-edge UAV technology, potentially revolutionizing logistics and operational capabilities across various challenging terrains and scenarios in the country.

Bharat Forge , a leading Indian forging company, is navigating through challenging times in its commercial vehicle segment while simultaneously expanding its footprint in the defence sector.

Commercial Vehicle Segment Challenges

Bharat Forge reported a 14% year-over-year decline in Class 8 truck orders during August, indicating weakening demand in the commercial vehicle market. The company's outlook remains cautious, as it anticipates a further 15% decrease for the 2025 cycle. This projection signals ongoing weak demand conditions in the commercial vehicle segment, which could potentially impact the company's near-term performance in this area.

Strategic Expansion in Defence Sector

Despite the headwinds in the commercial vehicle segment, Bharat Forge is making significant strides in diversifying its business portfolio. The company recently announced a strategic move to strengthen its position in the defence sector.

According to a regulatory filing dated September 4, 2025, Agneyastra Energetics Limited, a step-down wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Forge, has entered into an agreement with Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Ltd. The agreement involves the purchase of approximately 949.65 acres of land in Madakasira, Anantapur District.

Defence Energetics Manufacturing Complex

The acquired land will be utilized for developing an End-to-End Defence Energetics Manufacturing Complex. This ambitious project includes:

• High Explosives Manufacturing plant
• Ammunition filling plant
• Gun propellant facility
• Provisions for future expansion into energetics for:
  • Rockets
  • Missile systems
  • Space launch vehicles
  • Advanced energetics

This land acquisition aligns with Bharat Forge's growth objectives and demonstrates the company's commitment to expanding its presence in the defence sector. The move could potentially help offset challenges faced in other business segments, such as the commercial vehicle market.

Balancing Act

Bharat Forge's recent activities highlight the company's efforts to balance its portfolio amidst varying market conditions. While the commercial vehicle segment faces headwinds, the expansion in the defence sector could provide new growth opportunities and revenue streams for the company.

As Bharat Forge continues to navigate these diverse market dynamics, investors and industry observers will be keenly watching how the company's strategy unfolds in both the commercial vehicle and defence sectors.