Bharat Forge and Flying Whales Sign Strategic MoU to Manufacture Heavy-Lift Airships for India's Defence Needs

Bharat Forge and Flying Whales Sign Strategic MoU to Manufacture Heavy-Lift Airships for India's Defence Needs​

Bharat Forge Limited, through its Aerospace Division, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FLYING WHALES, a French-Canadian pioneer in heavy-lift airship technology. The partnership is set to jointly develop, manufacture, and field advanced airships designed to meet the strategic and defence requirements of India.

The MoU was formalized at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 by Guru BISWAL, CEO Aerospace of Bharat Forge Limited, and Sébastien BOUGON, President of FLYING WHALES. This collaboration is a significant step towards establishing an indigenous airship ecosystem in India, aligning with the nation's Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.

The two companies will focus on establishing the manufacturing, integration, and production of these specialised airships within India. The partnership aims to create sovereign capabilities in this strategically important aerospace segment, blending FLYING WHALES’ pioneering technology with Bharat Forge’s expertise derived from six decades of advanced engineering support for Indian defence needs.

Next-Generation Airship Capabilities​

At the heart of the collaboration is the LCA60T platform, a next-generation heavy-lift airship developed by FLYING WHALES. This aircraft is capable of transporting up to 60 tonnes of cargo and features vertical take off and landing capability. The LCA60T utilizes hybrid-electric propulsion and requires minimal ground infrastructure, making it ideal for operations in challenging and remote environments.

The partnership intends to explore a wide range of defence applications, including:

• 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 difficult terrain and remote border regions

Impact on Indian Industry​

Mr. Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman & Joint Managing Director of Bharat Forge Limited, highlighted the national significance of the venture, stating that "This strategic partnership places India among a select group of nations with the capability to design, build and field heavy-lift airships," creating a sovereign capability and an entirely new dimension of strategic mobility for the nation.

Mr. Tanguy Lestienne, Chief Executive Officer of FLYING WHALES SERVICES, echoed this sentiment, noting that the LCA60T's promise finds its fullest expression in India’s vast geography. He added that the alliance would build "in India, for India and for the world," establishing a foundational airship industry for the region.

The proposed localisation programme is anticipated to generate high-technology employment and develop an advanced supply chain, further bolstering India's standing as a global aerospace manufacturing hub with opportunities for future exports.

BHARATFORG Stock Price Movement​

As of 11:59 AM, Bharat Forge Limited shares are slipping by 0.21% in live trading, currently at ₹2197.2 as they trade within today's range. The stock has seen movement between a low of ₹2183 and an intraday high of ₹2214.4.