Easing the burden of the soldiers, Honeywell introduces Centurion
Based on its trademark Spectra® fiber, Honeywell has built an ultra-light fabric called Centurion which will further decrease the weight (up to 35 to 40 per cent) of the bullet-proof vests of the infantry soldiers/ police. It is claimed to be strong, flexible and extremely light-weight.
Made with the well-known Spectra® fiber, a high-molecular-weight polyethylene material, which, according to the Honeywell, is 15 times stronger than steel at the same weight, Centurion fabric allows tactical vests to be made with less material, without compromising on its strength or capacity. Speaking to FORCE during the Show, Honeywell’s Greg Davis explained that add-ons like pockets, rivets, buttons etc not only add to the weight of the vest, but also make it cumbersome to organise. With Centurion fabric one doesn’t need to build-in different sections to keep various things that infantry soldiers need, a handset or water bottle for instance. The fabric itself comes with integrated loops and cuts in which equipment can be fitted in without stitching on additional material.
What’s more, Centurion also repels water, hence it can be efficiently worn in wet and humid conditions without the fear of dampness adding to the weight. Honeywell’s Spectra fibre has been in use in India for several years.
DCM Shriram Industries Rolls Out Light Bullet-Proof Vehicle ‘Zebu’
DCM Shriram Industries Limited (DSIL) announced their new venture into defence equipment manufacturing. The company has successfully, indigenously, designed, tested and developed a light bullet proof vehicle for use by the Indian defence and para-military forces in their strategic activities against foreign aggressors as well as internal insurgencies.
Chairman and managing director, DSIL Tilak Dhar said, “It is with great pride that I announce the development and launch of ZEBU, a Light Bullet Proof Vehicle (LBPV) for supply to the Indian defence and para-military forces by DCM Shriram Industries Limited. Our group, under the guidance of Lala Shriram and later Lala Bansi Dhar, has been part of the nation building exercise for over 125 years. We started manufacturing Make in India products in 1890 and have consistently worked towards import substitution and creating industrial wealth in India. We believe that this project will create jobs not only in our company but in a series of auto ancillary units and allied services, bringing prosperity to the nation”.
Vice chairman and deputy managing director, DSIL Alok B. Shriram added, “In addition to providing vehicles in India, our aim is to also export them to other nations and peace-keeping forces. Our company decided to foray into the defence equipment manufacturing space after the announcement of the DPP 2016 by the Indian government. We have shortlisted four areas which we would like to concentrate on, the primary one being armoured vehicles. The ZEBU is meant for protection of the Indian armed forces against light automatic weapon fire, small grenade and IED blasts. This is the major service condition for our troops on the border and against internal insurgents in North, Central and East India. DSIL is launching the ZEBU with the single aim of Protecting Our Protectors.”
Further, deputy managing director of DSIL, Madhav Shriram, stated, “DSIL’s mission is to design and manufacture a world class armoured bullet-proof vehicle which meets all the requirements and various service conditions that our armed personnel face and function in, including various types of terrains and climatic conditions, be it the heat of the desert, the icy heights of the Himalayas or the rainy Northeast. None of this would have been possible without the dedication and perseverance of our team. We believe the ZEBU’s debut at the DefExpo 2018 is the first step towards achieving our goal”.
Business head Major General Sanjeev Loomba (retd), said, “The ZEBU is a very robust and competently designed light bullet-proof vehicle which is capable of operating in all terrains and has excellent off-road capabilities. The firing ports allow the soldiers to inflict devastating prophylactic fire. It has a 360 degree rotating turret which can bring down immense fire-power and inflict severe damage on the enemy, while protecting our soldiers. I am confident that our product will be a valuable addition to the arsenal of the Indian defence forces”.
L&T MBDA Missile Systems Offers World Class Guided Weapon Systems Technology in India
L&T MBDA Missile Systems Limited (L&T MBDA) is leveraging its strong parentage to bring in world class guided weapon systems technology for the Indian armed forces under the ‘Make in India’ initiative with a clear objective of indigenously developing, manufacturing and supplying highly advanced missiles and missile systems.
The joint venture (JV) between Larsen & Toubro (L&T), India’s multinational engineering conglomerate and MBDA, a world leader in missiles and missile systems, is targeting opportunities under the ‘Buy (Indian – IDDM)’, ‘Buy (Indian)’, ‘Buy & Make (Indian)’ and ‘Make’ categories of defence procurement.
Within only one year of its incorporation, the joint venture has already responded to Request for Information (RFI) under different missile systems to address Indian armed forces’ operational requirements. These includes 5th Generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM 5), Short Range Surface to Air Missile (SRSAM) and Medium Range Anti-Ship Missile System.
The JV is also preparing to participate in various ‘Make’ category projects.
Senior executive vice president and Whole-time Director, L&T J.D.Patil commented, “Our long-standing commitment to India’s defence programme is evident in our approach to offer best in class technology solutions. The L&T-MBDA joint venture has been working proactively to make available advanced missiles and missile systems catering to the needs of the Indian defence forces.”
Country Head India, MBDA Loïc Piedevache said, “For over 50 successful years our strategy has been one of true partnership with the Indian armed forces and Indian industry. The JV offers the Indian armed forces the flexibility of choice regarding the timely acquisition of key operational capabilities, coupled with the optimised means of acquiring and mastering the very latest and most advanced guided weapon systems technology currently available anywhere in the world.”
L&T holds 51 per cent and MBDA holds 49 per cent equity in the joint venture company fully complying with India’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy norms for a defence manufacturing company. The JV was incorporated on 5 April 2017 as an Indian company.
GMR Group to Set Up Defence Manufacturing Hub in Tamil Nadu
The GMR Group, India’s leading infrastructure company, is setting up an ‘Aerospace & Defence Manufacturing Hub’ at its Special Investment Region, Hosur (GKSIR), Krishnagiri district in Tamil Nadu, to encourage indigenous production of defence equipment in the country.
India stands amongst the top five defence spenders in the world. However, due to an underdeveloped defence manufacturing sector, India is one of the largest importers of defence equipment in the world – approximately 60 per cent of requirements are met through imports. Indigenisation of defence production is a key priority for the government.
Under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the government has recently announced setting up of a Defence Industrial Production Corridor (DIPC) in Tamil Nadu. The corridor will connect Hosur and Chennai with Kattupalli port, Chennai, Tiruchi, Coimbatore and Hosur as its key nodes and aims to provide impetus to the defence production industry in the country and in the region, in particular. The proposed defence manufacturing hub at GKSIR, Hosur is a step in making this vision a reality.
The project is a joint venture (JV) between GMR Group and Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO). Under this project, approximately 600 acres of prime industrial land has been made ready for immediate occupation.
The proposed hub is an ideal location for defence related manufacturing. Major Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) are only within a distance of 50–60 kilometres. The hub also benefits from the established industrial ecosystem in Hosur, 700+ MSMEs engaged in precision engineering in the region. Proximity to Bangalore ensures ready access to skilled manpower.
Commenting on the setting up of the manufacturing hub, Business Chairman-Transportation & Urban Infrastructure, GMR Group BVN Rao said, “This defence manufacturing hub can potentially be a game changer for the region. We will be providing all the necessary infrastructure facilities to attract global majors to set up their manufacturing facilities here. GKSIR Hosur is keen to set an international benchmark. GMR Group is world renowned infrastructure developer and we already have an excellent track record of creating mega infrastructure projects in India and abroad”.
Cyient and BlueBird Aero Systems Sign Joint Venture to Manufacture UAV Systems
Cyient, a provider of engineering design, manufacturing, geospatial, networks, and operations management services to global industry leaders and Israel-based BlueBird Aero Systems, a leader in design, development, and production of micro, mini, and small tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) on April 11 announced they have entered into a joint venture to offer field-proven UAV systems to Indian defence, paramilitary, security, and police forces. The joint venture, named Cyient Solutions & Systems Private Limited, has 51 per cent and 49 per cent shareholding by Cyient and BlueBird respectively.
Cyient and BlueBird signed the JV agreement at the show. In attendance were stakeholders from both companies and distinguished industry representatives from India and Israel.
Commenting on the announcement, Chief Executive Officer and managing director, Cyient Krishna Bodanapu said, “I am very excited about the joint venture with BlueBird Aero Systems that combines our design and manufacturing expertise to bring the best of UAV technology solutions to the Indian defence industry. The joint venture also underlines the commitment of both partners to the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.”
Managing director & CEO, Cyient Solutions & Systems NJ Joseph added, “Our Unmanned Aerial Systems raise the bar on performance and reliability for ISTAR and mapping applications. BlueBird’s world-class technology, joined with Cyient’s manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities and local presence, offers exceptional value to the rapidly expanding market for UAV solutions in India.”
Founder & CEO, BlueBird Aero Systems Ronen Nadir said, “We are proud to team with Cyient in this joint venture that enables indigenisation, manufacturing, training, and support of our advanced, field-proven UAV systems in India. Bluebird is pleased to transfer to Cyient Solutions & Systems its latest, innovative technology and know-how to further enhance what we see as a long-term partnership with Cyient for the benefit of the Indian UAV market.”
Cyient Solutions & Systems will indigenise, manufacture, assemble, integrate, and test advanced UAV systems at its production facilities in Hyderabad by leveraging BlueBird’s technology and manufacturing know-how. Cyient Solutions & Systems, supported by BlueBird, will also provide comprehensive aftermarket services, including spares, repairs, maintenance, and support to end users across India.
The JV’s portfolio includes the SpyLite, ThunderB, and MicroB systems that offer highly-innovative UAS technology designed to fulfil covert, real-time intelligence, and tactical mapping-on-demand missions across open areas or crowded urban environments. Cyient Solutions & Systems recently conducted field trials in India that successfully demonstrated the SpyLite’s outstanding performance in a tactical surveillance role at high altitude and in extreme weather conditions.
Ashok Leyland Exhibits Six Advanced Products and Technology Solutions
Ashok Leyland, flagship of the Hinduja Group and the largest suppliers of logistics vehicles to the Indian Army, showcased six advanced-technology products and solutions at the show. These products were unveiled by Mahadevi Bilebal, wife of Late Lance Naik Hanumanthappa Koppad, who was posthumously awarded the Sena medal and Hony Capt Raghunath Singh.
The products showcased were Light Specialist Vehicle 4×4 (LSV 4×4), General Service logistics vehicle (Guru 715), Medium Bullet Proof Vehicle 4×4 (MBPV), Super Stallion 8×8 A High Mobility Vehicle, Power pack for artillery guns, Tracked vehicles (Repower, Upgrade Solutions for tracked vehicles & FICV Mobility).
Ashok Leyland has been at the forefront in serving the nation by partnering with the Indian Army for its logistics needs. Following its philosophy of ‘Aapki Jeet, Hamari Jeet’, and a resolve to contribute to the nation’s security, Ashok Leyland has made significant investments in-house to develop the next generation of world-class mobility solutions and technologies for the country’s armed forces.
Speaking on the occasion, MD, Ashok Leyland Vinod K. Dasari said, “We have been an integral part of our nation’s defence operations and we continue to evolve as a trusted partner in providing end-to-end solutions in the area of mobility. This year’s DefExpo focus was to showcase India as a major hub of defence production in the world. Ashok Leyland is proud to be leading in this area for almost three decades and we plan to be at the forefront of designing and making in India by expanding our range of vehicle and technology solutions offering. We have developed capabilities which will help us to bid for 20-25 per cent of the tenders of the Indian Army as against less than one per cent earlier.”
Sharing his views Head – Defence, Ashok Leyland Amandeep Singh said, “Our strong focus on in-house R&D and strategic partnerships with global defence suppliers has helped us develop the next generation of mobility solutions for our defence personnel and equipment. With the new generation vehicles and solutions, we are further extending the trust our army has in us. Known for robustness, endurance and latest technology, these offerings will help us expand our defence business multi-fold in the coming years. We are proud of having won 31 tenders in the last two years and this alone will result in cumulative revenues of over Rs 5,000 crore, over the next decade.”
HENSOLDT Presents Indian Subsidiary ‘HENSOLDT India’
At the show, the leading independent sensor solutions house HENSOLDT for the first time presented its newly founded Indian subsidiary HENSOLDT Pvt Ltd (‘HENSOLDT India’). The new company based in Bengaluru is HENSOLDT’s local footprint and gateway to India and its surrounding region. This organisation has been setup to increase customer proximity and augment the product and technology cooperation with local public and private companies. Furthermore, the company will act as an innovation hub for new businesses of HENSOLDT.
“HENSOLDT India is proof of our commitment to India as a defence manufacturing hub”, said Head of HENSOLDT India Andleeb Shadman. ”As a platform-independent sensor solutions provider, we are following a deliberate strategy of cooperation with local industries strengthening the ‘Make in India’ initiative”.
HENSOLDT India is leveraging the Indian start-up ecosystem for the induction of new technologies. Its services also include software and simulation engineering for security and safety businesses, among others solutions to improve railway safety such as driving simulators.
HENSOLDT’s portfolio includes various sensor solutions, which, when combined, allow detection capabilities to be improved substantially. It is ranging from latest-generation AESA radars through helicopter and aircraft self-protection suites to helicopter pilot assistance systems and night vision devices.
The most prominent air and space platforms equipped with HENSOLDT products include the F-16, Eurofighter, Gripen and Rafale combat aircraft, the Tandem-X and EDRS-A satellites as well as helicopters of various types. Furthermore, the company provides mission-critical equipment for the Puma and Leopard armoured vehicles, the US Navy’s littoral combat ships of the ‘Freedom’ class, and the German Navy’s K130 corvettes.
Adani Group, Punj Lloyd and Rave Gears Collaborate to Manufacture Gears for Aerospace & Defence
Adani Group, a global integrated infrastructure player announced that it has collaborated with Punj Lloyd and Rave Gears (USA) for the design, manufacture and assembly of high precision gears and transmission systems for rotary platforms.
The collaboration intends to manufacture gears and gear assemblies mainly for rotary platforms, currently under production in India for HAL, and for future programmes like the Naval Utility Helicopters and Naval Multi Role Helicopters. The collaboration will use the manufacturing base in India for exports to global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), both in the military and civil aerospace domain.
Head of Adani Defence & Aerospace Ashish Rajvanshi shared, “The collaboration is another step in Adani Group’s vision of creating a vibrant defence manufacturing ecosystem by bringing world-class capabilities to the country. It will help establish new production lines in India, generate employment and build sustainable skills.”
The three companies aim at increasing self-reliance at the Tier-I level, which will be critical for system integration of platforms in India. The collaboration furthers the indigenisation agenda under ‘Make in India’ programme and will bring state-of-the-art technology to the country.
“Punj Lloyd has been at the forefront of building industrial capabilities in defence manufacturing in the country across various domains, from small arms to artillery guns. This collaboration will enable India to achieve indigenisation in one of the most critical components in rotary platforms,” said President Manufacturing Business at Punj Lloyd Ashok Wadhawan.
On this new association, CEO Rave Nick Patel said, “We at Rave are extremely excited at the immense potential that unfolds with this collaboration. It is an opportunity for Rave to do what its best at; offer technology which led Rave to conquer NASCAR market in three years and achieve 70 per cent cost and 68 per cent cycle time reduction to Bell Helicopter among several other achievements.” Rave, which has major aerospace and defence OEMs, US government and major NASCAR and Formula 1 Team as its customers, covers drone, aerospace and racing markets.
Boeing Focusses on Turning ‘Make in India’ into Reality by Aerospace Innovation
Boeing accelerated its commitment to ‘Make in India’ with the Tata Boeing Aerospace facility manufacturing AH-64 Apache fuselage and aerostructures while highlighting its mission-ready defence platforms, services and support contributing to the modernisation of the armed forces
The F/A-18 Super Hornet simulator showcased superior multirole capabilities of the fighter. A series of large-scale models, displays and smart panel content of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, CH-47F Chinook, AH-64E Apache, KC-46 tanker, P-8, Integrator and services were showcased at Boeing stand.
The F/A-18 E/F Simulator was also available at the booth for visitors to experience. In addition, Boeing showcased its contributions to building India’s aerospace industry and leveraging manufacturing capability, talent, innovation and productivity to deliver a cost-efficient supply chain from India. Today, there are more than 160 suppliers providing parts and assemblies covering commodities such as aerostructures, wire harness, composites, forgings, avionics mission systems, and ground support equipment for Boeing’s commercial and military aircraft out of India.
Tata Boeing Aerospace, a joint venture between Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems, is manufacturing AH-64 Apache fuselages and other aerostructures in Hyderabad. Boeing currently employs 1200 people in India, and more than 7000 people work with its supply chain partners. Boeing’s partnership with the Indian armed forces includes C-17 Globemaster III and P-8I aircraft that are fulfilling strategic airlift and long range maritime surveillance missions for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy. These aircraft are operated by the Indian armed forces at mission readiness rates of over 85 per cent due to training and sustainment services provided by Boeing. The soon-to-be-delivered AH-64 Apache and Chinook helicopters will add significant combat and heavy lift capabilities to India.
Along with TRAJAN, Nexter Exhibits its Exhaustive Range
Nexter, along with its partner Larsen & Toubro, exhibited the TRAJAN artillery system, which has been evaluated by the Indian Army under the Towed Gun System programme (TGS) at the show. If selected, Trajan will be partly produced in India.
A model of CAESAR on an 8×8 chassis, which according to the company is the best compromise between the simplicity of towed artillery and the mobility of a self-propelled system, was also on display at the Nexter stand.
Among other highlights were the 40mm CTAS gun with telescopic ammunition meant for armoured infantry and reconnaissance vehicles. Apparently, the CTAS gun provides them with superior firepower compared to any other medium calibre system. Also, on display was the 20mm air-land range gun with the Pod NC 621, which, provides close air-to-air and air-to-ground fire support in the axial mode, and the SH20, which can be docked on most multi-mission helicopters.
A subsidiary of the Nexter Group, Nexter Robotics was also exhibiting a range of multi-mission robots called NERVA along with its payloads and mobility kits. NERVA can carry out a spectrum of missions, from the detection of suspicious objects under vehicles to Nuclear, Radiological, Biological and Chemical (CBRN) threats, destruction of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and site monitoring.
MKU and Thales Sign Two MoUs to Develop Optronic Devices and Close Quarter Battle Rifles for Indian Army
MKU Limited and Thales have joined hands for strategic co-operation in the development and production of optronic devices and F90close quarter battle (CQB) rifle for Indian Army.
Under the two memoranda of understanding (MoUs), the companies will co-develop the optronic devices, which along with the F90 rifles will be manufactured in India at MKU’s facilities in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Both the products will be offered to the Indian Army and the central paramilitary and police forces under ‘Make in India’.
Speaking on the occasion, managing director, MKU, Neeraj Gupta said, “MKU is pleased to sign the strategic cooperation MoUs with Thales. This partnership will not only focus on meeting the requirements of our forces in India but will also look at exporting the products to other parts of the world”.
Senior executive vice-president for Land & Air Systems at Thales, Alex Cresswell said, “We are very pleased to work in close collaboration with MKU for the development of weapons and optronic devices to address specific needs of the Indian and international markets. This co-development partnership reaffirms our commitment to India and is the result of our ambition to support soldiers on operations”.
The strategic cooperation for optronic devices between Thales and MKU is committed to enhancing the night-fighting capabilities of the Indian Army and homeland security forces, the companies said in a joint statement. The statement further added that, “It envisages manufacturing of optronics equipment including weapon sights, night vision goggles, handheld thermal imagers and thermal infrared sensor engine for soldier systems, and other image intensification and thermal imaging systems for soldiers and platforms respectively”
Kalyani Group and Plansee Tungsten Alloys Announce Strategic Partnership
Kalyani Group and Plansee Tungsten Alloys, France announced the forming of their strategic partnership in the areas of Special Metallic Penetrators required for specialist ammunition, Fragments made of heavy alloys, and Special Alloys made from Tungsten for defence, aerospace and industrial purposes. Kalyani Group brings to this partnership its manufacturing prowess, both in terms of capability and capacity, and Plansee will contribute in terms of base material and technology.
Director Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd Rajinder Singh Bhatia said, “The Kalyani Group has indigenously developed its skills and capability within defence. We have a vision to bring world’s leading defence technologies in the country and are hence expanding our profile to enable this process. Our strategic partnership with Plansee is an extension of this vision and will give us access to some extremely niche technologies. Plansee’s state-of-the-art technology will be complemented with our world-class manufacturing and engineering capabilities”.
Kalyani Group and Uralvagonzavod to Develop Facility for Aftersales Services and Repair Of Armoured Vehicles In India
Kalyani Group and JSC Research and Production Corporation ‘Uralvagonzavod’ (UVZ), the holding company in Russia have decided to come together to form a strategic partnership for cooperation in deliveries of the components for assembly, service and repair of 125-mm Smoothbore Gun to be used in repair and modernisation of tanks T-72 and T-90. The other areas of collaboration include the 100 mm Ship Mounted Artillery Gun, manufacture of certain parts of T-72 & T-90 battle tanks and joint participation in the proposed programme of the Indian MoD to hand over Army Base Workshops to private companies under the concept of Government Owned Contractor Operated (GOCO) model.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create a strategic partnership to explore the mutually beneficial opportunities was signed between the two companies. It was mutually agreed that UVZ will contribute in terms of their expertise in design, manufacturing, assembly and testing of main battle tanks and Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd, the subsidiary of Bharat Forge Ltd and defence arm of Kalyani Group, Pune will contribute in terms of its repository of knowledge in the field of forging, machining and metallurgical capabilities.
Director Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd Rajinder Singh Bhatia and Director Military – Technical Cooperation, UVZ Igor Kulikov said, “We are happy to join hands and our collaboration brings together the manufacturing and technology excellence of two leading companies in the world. We are looking forward to spread our footprint in India and abroad while working under the policy of ‘Make in India for the World’.
MTU Offers MT30 Engine to its Potential Customers
Said to be the world’s most powerful in–service marine gas turbine and used by several advanced navel platforms across the world, MTU is offering MT30 engine to its potential customers.
According to the company, the engine is derived from Rolls-Royce’s Trent Aero technology and is designed with 50 to 60 per cent fewer parts than other aero-derivative gas and integrates the very latest in marine gas turbine technology to provide efficiency and reliability with a market leading power to weight ratio.
The company in a statement said the engine is both capable and affordable. “From the outset the MT30 has been designed to provide cost efficient propulsion for both commercial and naval applications. Ideal for vessels requiring high power density, it provides the propulsion system designer with increased flexibility in terms of ship layout. The MT30 can be offered as part of an integrated power and propulsion system together with a wide range of Rolls-Royce marine products,” the company said.
Entering service in 2008, the naval platforms that are currently using the MT30 engine include the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carriers and Type 26 Global Combat Ship, the US Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship Freedom Class variant and DDG-1000 advanced destroyer, Republic of Korea Navy’s FFX-Batch II frigate and the Italian Navy’s new Landing Helicopter Dock.
MKU to Manufacture Advanced Gas Piston Based CAR 817AR Assault Rifles in India
MKU and EDIC Caracal signed a MoU for strategic co-operation for manufacture of the advanced CAR 817AR rifles in India at the show. The special gas piston-based design of CAR 817AR makes it more rugged and stable in harsh conditions like mud, sand etc. and its mettle has been proven in the UAE. The Assault Rifle will be manufactured in India at MKU’s proposed facility in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh under the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the government and will be offered to the Indian Army for their requirements.
The MoU also covers mutual cooperation in promoting MKU electro optics and armour to the UAE forces by EDIC Caracal, a conglomerate and powerhouse of Emirates Defence Industrial Company (EDIC) with more than 16 assets spread across various defence industrial segments in UAE.
On the occasion MD MKU Neeraj Gupta said, “We look forward to a strong association with EDIC Caracal. This association will further strengthen each other’s product range for India and the Middle East. The CAR 817AR rifle is a rugged and versatile product and will meet all the requirements of our armed forces.”
Chief Executive Officer Caracal Hamad Salem Al Ameri said, “Our respective governments already have strong relationships. We hope that this cooperation with MKU will become a starting point for a large strategic defence cooperation between both countries that opens the door for many more potential partnerships.”
Senior manager, Business Development, Caracal Fahad Abdulrahman Eisa added, “India is one of the largest and most promising markets in the world and MKU is an ideal partner with its experience and excellent credentials in defence manufacturing here. MKU already has existing products which are much required in UAE. We are very positive that this association will see great heights.”
This will be the 2nd manufacturing base for Caracal in Asia. Its weapons are currently deployed with various forces in UAE. The CAR 817AR passes all international standards and specifications and is proven to perform excellently even in the harsh conditions in Middle East.
GSL and Naval Group Strengthens Cooperation in Field of Simulators
Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), a premier Defence PSU Shipyard, along with Naval Group, leader in French Naval Defence industry, have signed a ‘Letter of Intent’ on April 12 to expand their collaboration in the field of design and production of all shore-based simulators for Scorpene Submarine project and also for other future advanced simulator requirements of the Indian Navy.
In line with ‘Make in India’, these simulators are planned to have significant indigenous content. The two companies had also signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) (latest one in October 2017 for simulators for submarine’s Combat Management System (CMS)). The two entities had also collaborated earlier on future projects including advanced simulators for Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) and Submarine Escape Training Tower (SETT). With this renewed collaboration with Naval Group, GSL will be able to offer complete suite of simulators, including 3D simulators for the different future platforms of (including submarine programme) for Indian Navy.
During the occasion, chairman and managing director, GSL Rear Admiral Shekhar Mital said, “Moving ahead with the Vision of ‘Make in India’ and bringing state-of-the-art technologies to India, we have expanded the scope of futuristic diversification on the strength of our old partner Naval Group and will now be making series of simulators for Scorpene Submarines of Indian Navy. This is in addition to the array of Land Based Simulators such as Damage Control Simulator, Fire Fighting Simulator and Nuclear Biological & Chemical Simulator that GSL has designed and supplied to the Indian Navy in the past.”
Sharing the joy of this partnership, Director of the International Trade Department of Naval Group François Dupont added, “Naval Group’s commitment to ‘Make in India’ is reinstated through this value added partnership while offering latest generation advanced simulators which will benefit the future trainings of Indian Navy’s ambitious and autonomous crews.”
HAL Signs Tripartite MoU with Motorsich JSC and Ivchenko Progress SE
On April 12 HAL signed an MoU with Motorsich JSC and Ivchenko Progress SE, Ukraine for Engine Design, Development, Testing and manufacturing of critical components. Director (Engg. R&D)-HAL, D.K Venkatesh, Chief Designer, Motorsich, JSC, K. N. Podgors’ky and Chief Designer, Ivchenko Progress SE, O. N. Drynov jointly signed the MoU in the presence of CMD-HAL, T. Suvarna Raju during the show.
HAL is already in the process of design and development of medium thrust and shaft engines. This MoU will facilitate further strengthening the development and testing of these indigenous engines, said Raju.
Speaking during the event Podgors’ky said, “Ukraine would be extending all possible support to India in terms of engine technologies.”
Both Motorsich JSE and Ivchenko Progress are manufacturer and supplier of Aero Engines for various platforms, situated in Ukraine.
HAL is associated with Motorsich for PV-117MT engine that powers Mi-7 helicopter and AL-20D engine for AN-32 cargo transport aircraft for service/ overhaul under licence.
Nexter and PEL Teams Up to Manufacture Bi-Modular Charge Systems in India
Premier Explosives Ltd (PEL), active in the field of explosives and solid propellants, and the French defence company Nexter, specialised in land systems and ammunition have decided to tie-up for manufacturing Bi-Modular Charge Systems (BMCS) in order to respond to the needs of the Indian ministry of defence (MoD).
The partners decided to answer to the BMCS RFP relative to a 10-year contract by manufacturing in India, combining the experience of Nexter with the pyrotechnics knowledge of PEL. The proposed product, which is the key of artillery propulsion, is 100 per cent designed within Nexter Group in accordance with the Indian technical requirements.
Through a long-term partnership, PEL and Nexter are willing to build up one of the first Indian private manufacturer of ammunition. This project responds to the Indian government objective to develop a private robust source of ammunition.
Kalyani Group and Technodinamika to Develop & Manufacture Landing Gears for Aircrafts
Kalyani Group and Technodinamika, the holding company in Russia decided to come together to form a strategic partnership for producing the undercarriage systems in India for all types of aircrafts.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create a strategic partnership to explore the mutually beneficial opportunities was signed between the companies. It was mutually agreed that Technodinamika will contribute in terms of their expertise in design, manufacturing, assembly and testing of main & nose landing gears for the Helicopters and other type of aircrafts and Bharat Forge will contribute in terms of its repository of knowledge in the field of forging, machining and metallurgical capabilities.
President and CEO (Defence & Aerospace) Bharat Forge Ltd, Rajinder Singh Bhatia and CEO Technodinamika Holding, Igor Nasenkov said, “We are happy to join hands and our collaboration brings together the manufacturing and technology excellence of two leading companies. We are looking forward to spread our footprint in India and abroad while working under the policy of ‘Make in India’.”
Kalyani Group and BAE Systems to Co-Develop Air Defence Guns
Kalyani Group and BAE Systems announced that they are working together to develop and provide Air Defence Guns for Indian security forces.
President and CEO (Defence and Aerospace) Bharat Forge Ltd, Rajinder Singh Bhatia said, “The Kalyani Group has indigenously developed its skills and capability within defence. We are now expanding our profile in the defence segment to include Air Defence Guns and Ammunition in order to provide solutions to Indian security forces for terminal air defence. The Group and BAE Systems have agreed to partner for transfer of technology for Air Defence Guns and Ammunition. BAE Systems’ advanced technology will be complemented with Bharat Forge Ltd’s world-class design, development and manufacturing capabilities. This will be the perfect example of ‘Make in India’ solutions.”
Kalyani Group Displays Indigenous Dual Technology Mine Detector
Kalyani Group’s flagship company Bharat Forge Ltd (BFL) displayed its indigenous Dual Technology Mine Detector at the show. BFL has already bagged a major order from the ministry of defence for supply of these Dual Technology Mine Detectors to the Indian Army. The security forces face a significant threat from old, vintage mines on the Line of Control (LC) which have killed and injured a large number of soldiers as well as civilians over the decades. These mines have drifted from original locations and have become extremely difficult to search and neutralise. Advances in technology have also made it easy for anti-national elements to plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) that are not detectable by the present detection instruments.
The ministry of defence sought to tackle this problem by procuring state-of-the-art, dual tech mine detectors which can significantly reduce the casualties due to above and lead to increased operational efficiency. Bharat Forge in collaboration with Vallon GmbH of Germany successfully developed hand-held ground penetrating radar which is ideally suited for above requirement. Responding to a Buy Indian RFP, the DTMD-BFL successfully cleared the strenuous User Trials conducted by the Indian Army.
A contract for supply of 1050 DTMD-BFL detectors featuring product life engineering support and an intensive training package has been awarded to Bharat Forge. Induction of this equipment will undoubtedly enhance the operational capability of the forces especially on the LC.