By A Correspondent

Pune (Maharashtra): Indian firm Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) has landed a major INR 300-crore deal for military modernisation and to supply the army and the navy with indigenous unmanned systems.

The contract, under the Emergency Procurement–VI (EP-VI) framework launched after India’s Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May 2025, underlines how urgent battlefield requirements are accelerating the induction of homegrown drones and loitering munitions into frontline service.

According to a statement from Bharat Forge on January 16, 2026, the contracts cover a range of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms and precision strike systems, including Omega One, Omega Nine, Bayonet, and Cleaver.

Designed and developed in India, these unmanned systems are tailored for rapid deployment across diverse terrains and mission profiles, reflecting lessons drawn from recent global conflicts where drones have reshaped modern warfare, the company said.

A strong public validation came on Army Day 2026 in Jaipur, when Omega One was showcased mounted on an upgraded BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle, it said.

Its display before India’s top military leadership signalled growing confidence in Bharat Forge’s ability to deliver combat-ready unmanned solutions under tight timelines, the statement said.

The inductions align closely with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat push, leveraging expanded domestic manufacturing capacity to ensure speed, scalability, and reliability.

BFL’s unmanned portfolio is also evolving technologically, with increasing integration of artificial intelligence, autonomy, and data-driven decision-making, enhancing endurance, precision, and survivability in contested environments.

Calling the contracts a “dual achievement,” BFL vice chairman and joint managing director Amit Kalyani said they reaffirm Bharat Forge’s commitment to equipping the armed forces with India-specific, electronic-warfare-resistant unmanned systems.

With sustained investments in design, manufacturing, and next-generation autonomy stacks, Bharat Forge is positioning itself as a key pillar in India’s fast-growing unmanned and autonomous defence ecosystem, strengthening self-reliance while delivering future-ready combat capabilities.

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