Bharat Forge Secures ₹50 Crore Contract from UAE's EDGE Group for M109 Howitzer Barrels

In a significant development for India's defense sector, Bharat Forge, a leading private sector defense company and flagship of the Kalyani Group, has entered into a landmark agreement with the UAE's state-owned EDGE Group. Signed on September 1, 2025, the contract is valued at over ₹50 crores for the supply of 155x52mm barrels for the M109 self-propelled howitzer.

The M109 is a 155mm self-propelled tracked howitzer, a versatile artillery platform widely used by armed forces globally. The United Arab Emirates acquired 87 M109A3 howitzers from the Netherlands in 1995, which have since been upgraded and deployed in operations, including the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen. The barrels, a critical component of the howitzer, require precision engineering to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Bharat Forge’s contract to supply these barrels highlights its advanced manufacturing capabilities and positions it as a trusted partner for the UAE Ministry of Defence.

This agreement marks the first collaboration of its kind between an Indian company and a UAE firm, underscoring India’s growing prominence in the global defense market. The initial order involves a test batch of barrels, with the potential for the total order to scale up to ₹500 crores, depending on the success of the test phase and future requirements. Given the global demand for M109 barrels, which could number in the thousands, this agreement represents a significant opportunity for Bharat Forge to expand its footprint in the international defense market.

The partnership with Bharat Forge reflects confidence in India’s indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities and aligns with the Indian government’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, which emphasizes the development and export of domestically produced defense platforms.

This deal also strengthens the growing defense ties between India and the UAE. In recent years, the two nations have deepened their strategic partnership through joint exercises, high-level exchanges, and collaborations in defense production. Notably, in June 2024, EDGE Group signed a strategic partnership with India’s Adani Group to manufacture missiles, weapons, and unmanned systems, further cementing bilateral defense cooperation.

Bharat Forge's success in securing this contract not only enhances its global standing but also contributes to India's broader defense export strategy, particularly in the Middle East, where demand for advanced artillery systems is on the rise.