Elbit Systems forms partnerships with Bharat Forge, Bharat Electronics of India

Israeli defence electronics group Elbit Systems has staked its claim on the Indian market with the announcement of partnerships with Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to pursue opportunities in the local artillery systems and naval surveillance systems markets respectively.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) with state-owned BEL and the agreement to attempt to form a joint venture (JV) company with BFL (part of the privately owned Kalyani conglomerate) were announced on 7 February.

The agreement with BFL - signed by Elbit's Land and C4I subsidiary - aims to target mortar and artillery systems opportunities with solutions based on the Israeli company's existing ATHOS 155/52 towed gun system, the ATMOS 155/52 mounted gun system, and the 130 mm M4 gun in upgrade 155/45 configuration.

BFL's role is likely to involve testing, validation, and local engineering services.

India has a long-standing requirement for 155 mm artillery systems; one that has been subject to repeated procurement delays. The country's procurement funding has been dominated by naval and air requirements in recent years, but the demands of land forces are also expected to increase in the near future.