Bharat Forge, an Indian private sector defence company, signed a deal with the UAE  state-owned enterprise Edge group on September 1 for the supply of M109 howitzer barrels. The contract is worth more than ₹50 crores for a test batch of barrels of 155x52mm M109 howitzer. The total order could go up to 500 crores. 

The M109 is a 155mm self-propelled tracked howitzer. The United Arab Emirates purchased 87 M109A3 self-propelled howitzers from the Netherlands in 1995. These vehicles were subsequently upgraded and used by the UAE military, including during the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen.

This is the first of its kind deal between an Indian company and a UAE firm. The step is crucial because the UAE MoD is placing an order for a critical item, such as a barrel. And the total requirement of barrels could be in 1000s worldwide.

Bharat Forge is a flagship company of the Kalyani Group.  The company manufactures artillery systems, armoured fighting vehicles, small arms and ammunition, with significant R&D and a growing global footprint, including exporting products to various defence markets. 

It has recently supplied six 155x52mm ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System) to Armenia, and reports suggest that the numbers are 78 to 80 guns in the pipeline. Bharat Forge supplied M4 QRFV (Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicle) to the Indian Army after the Galwan clash, which happened in May 2020. More than 200 vehicles have been inducted by the Indian Army. On June 26, Bharat Forge was declared L1 to supply the CQB (Close Quarter Battle) carbine developed by ARDE for Rs 2,800 crore tender.

Edge Group of the UAE is the main supplier of defence equipment to the UAE armed forces. It also develops armoured vehicles, drones, laser-guided bombs and small arms. Interestingly, in 2020, the Caracal group, which is the small arms subsidiary of the Edge group, won the carbine tender with its CAR-816 ‘Sultan’ carbine to the Indian Army, but the Army did not proceed with the deal. 

In June 2024, the Edge group signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Adani group to manufacture missiles, weapons, unmanned platforms, and cyber systems to create a global platform for developing and offering defence and aerospace solutions to customers worldwide. This year, on April 21, the Edge group inaugurated its small arms factory in Hyderabad with its Indian partner ICOMM. 

This deal ensures Indian companies can enter the Middle East weapons market and co-develop weapons with their companies.

Arjun Dev Singh

Arjun Dev Singh has a deep interest in defence, security, and strategic affairs. With a strong analytical lens and a passion for military and geopolitical developments, Arjun strives to bring clarity and context to complex national and international issues.