Make in India: Saab, Bharat Forge to form JV for air defence solutions

Swedish defence and security major Saab and Bharat Forge group have renewed their commitment to manufacture air defence solutions in India.

The two groups had signed a strategic alliance in FY 2014 and today announced plans to form a joint venture company to develop missile systems.

The joint venture will handle main part of production delivery of air defence systems. The production in India will comprise of sub-systems and systems for short-range surface to air missiles and very short-range air defence missile systems, with the aim to transfer production and technology. To secure production quality, orders of missile parts have already been issued to Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd — a Bharat Forge subsidiary involved in the project.

"The joint venture is already under preparation within both companies and will be ready to launch soon," said Gorgen Johansson, head of Saab business area dynamics.