Contract Details

Balu Forge Industries Ltd (BFIL) has received its first purchase order for 155 mm Extended Range Full Bore – Base Bleed (ERFB BB) and Extended Range Full Bore - Boat Tail (ERFB BT) shells from an Indian ammunition player. The order follows successful commercialization and flawless execution of these advanced ammunition variants.

The contract structure involves:

  • Initial pilot supply of 10,000 units
  • Subsequent monthly supplies with mutually agreed quantities

Strategic Significance

This milestone establishes Balu Forge Industries Ltd as one of the first private entities to successfully commercialize this advanced ammunition variant, marking a significant moment in the indigenization of critical defense technologies. The successful execution validates BFIL's state-of-the-art forging and machining capabilities and positions the company at the forefront of the global defense supply chain.

Technical and Operational Context

The 155mm ERFB BB/BT shells are utilized by Indian armed forces through various platforms including:

  • 45-caliber Dhanush (38 km range)
  • 52-caliber ATAGS (48 km maximum range with ERFB-BB)
  • Tracked K9 Vajra-T
  • M777 ultra-lightweight howitzers in mountainous border regions

The projectiles meet standard NATO specifications, ensuring compatibility with multiple platforms in the Indian arsenal and strong global export potential.

Manufacturing Capabilities

Production occurs at BFIL's newly established, fully automated Belgaum facility which features:

  • Cutting-edge robotics for military-grade precision
  • Capability to manufacture highly complex, metallurgically demanding casings
  • Ability to withstand immense chamber pressures of modern extended-range firing

The company has recently secured NATO certification and has launched mass production and commercialization of standard 152 mm and 155 mm M107 projectiles in a 'Ready to Fill' state.

Long-Term Strategy

BFIL's strategic direction includes:

  • Expansion within the defense consumables sector
  • Advancement into sophisticated, long-range munitions (155 mm ERFB BB and BT variants)
  • Expansion into multi-alloy forgings including aluminum
  • Strategic expansion of the energetics division
  • Moving up the value chain to deliver fully integrated, high-performance tactical solutions to forces worldwide

Facility Details

The company operates advanced manufacturing facilities in Belgaum, Karnataka spread over a 46+ acre campus equipped with:

  • High-capacity hydraulic hammers and forging presses
  • Dedicated in-house tool room
  • Metallurgical labs
  • CNC machining units

Company Background

Balu Forge Industries Limited was founded by Mr. Prehlad Singh Chandock and offers a comprehensive product portfolio ranging from 1 kg to 1,500 kg and up to 3 meters in length, supporting diverse applications across multiple global industries including automotive, industrial vehicles, earthmoving equipment, wind energy, aerospace, defense, oil and gas, railways, marine, and agriculture.