Pune-headquartered engineering and technology major Bharat Forge has partnered South Africa-based aerospace and technology company Paramount Group to manufacture armoured vehicles in India. An agreement to this effect was signed by both companies during the International Defence Expo (IDEX 2021) held in Abu Dhabi.

As part of the agreement, Bharat Forge will produce the Kalyani M4 a multi-role platform, designed to meet the specific requirements of armed forces for quick mobility in rough terrain and in areas affected by mine and IED threats. It offers best in-class levels of ballistic and blast protection – up to 50kg TNT side blast or IED/roadside bombs due to its innovative design, built on a flat-floor monocoque hull.

The Kalyani M4 successfully completed a series of extreme vehicle trials in some of the toughest environments in India and will see service with the Indian Armed Forces in the very near future. Bharat Forge has also received an order worth Rs 177.95 crore from the Indian Ministry of Defence for supply of Kalyani M4 vehicles.

Amit Kalyani, deputy Md, Bharat Forge said, “We are very pleased to partner with Paramount Group. This collaboration brings together the manufacturing and technology excellence of two leading companies, which have matching synergies and complementary capabilities. The Kalyani M4 is a fantastic new generation vehicle, and we want to position it as the ‘future of protection’ in all markets world-wide.” 

Ivor Ichikowitz, chairman, Paramount Group stated: “All of our technologies have been developed with portable production in mind. We believe this model of world-beating innovative technology is fundamental to enhancing any country’s contemporary defence, and technology capabilities. The Kalyani M4 is based on one of our flagship armoured vehicles designed specifically for in-country production in India with our partners the Kalyani Group. We are proud that it will be made in India.”