In Jejuri, close to Pune, Bharat Forge Limited (BFL), a world leader in metal forging and engineering, has opened a cutting-edge defence production plant that is 3,00,000 square feet in size.
Under India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” plan, this state-of-the-art facility serves as a foundation for the manufacturing of domestic artillery systems and specialist military vehicles thanks to its adaptable multi-model layout and integrated testing capabilities.
The plant, which is ideally situated with good access to highways, suppliers, and skilled labour, is expected to increase India’s independence in the weapons industry.
Before starting full-scale operations, the plant must still receive final regulatory permissions.
The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS), a domestically produced 155mm howitzer developed in partnership with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), would be the facility’s primary emphasis. It is anticipated that these technologies will greatly improve India’s artillery capability.
After receiving regulatory approvals, Bharat Forge has already started exporting to allies and obtained significant contracts from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the production of ATAGS.
The Jejuri plant also demonstrates Bharat Forge’s dedication to incorporating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics into defence products, which is in line with worldwide trends towards unmanned systems and improved precision weapons. With 80% of its defence orders coming from exports, mostly to the US and Europe, Bharat Forge is well-positioned to contribute to India’s strategic autonomy and emerge as a key force in global defence exports.
