Key Event Details

Bharat Forge Limited, through its Aerospace Division, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with FLYING WHALES, a French-Canadian aerospace company, to jointly develop, manufacture and field advanced heavy-lift airships for India's defence and strategic operational requirements.

Signing Details

The MoU was signed on July 22, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 by Mr. Guru Biswal, CEO Aerospace of Bharat Forge Limited, and Mr. Sébastien Bougon, President of FLYING WHALES.

Technical Specifications

The partnership focuses on the LCA60T platform - FLYING WHALES' next-generation heavy-lift airship capable of transporting up to 60 tonnes of cargo with vertical take-off and landing capability, minimal ground infrastructure requirements, and hybrid-electric propulsion.

Strategic Objectives

The collaboration aims to establish in India the manufacture, integration and production of FLYING WHALES-Bharat Forge airships for defence applications, creating sovereign capabilities in aerospace. The partnership is aligned with the Government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.

Defence Applications Identified

  • Logistics support to forward operating bases
  • Transportation of oversized equipment and critical military supplies
  • Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions
  • Communication relay systems
  • Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations
  • Rapid deployment in remote border regions and difficult terrains

Management Commentary

Mr. Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman & Joint Managing Director of Bharat Forge Limited, stated: "Airships will redefine how nations move, supply and sustain their forces, and India will lead that change. This strategic partnership places India among a select group of nations with the capability to design, build and field heavy-lift airships."

Mr. Tanguy Lestienne, Chief Executive Officer of FLYING WHALES SERVICES, commented: "Together, we will build in India, for India and for the world, laying the foundations of an airship industry that will serve this region for generations."

Expected Outcomes

The proposed localization programme is expected to generate high-technology employment, develop an advanced supply chain and create future export opportunities, strengthening India's position as a global aerospace manufacturing hub.