Balu Forge Secures Purchase Order for 155mm Shells in Defence Sector

MUMBAI, India — Precision engineering conglomerate Balu Forge Industries Ltd (BFIL) announced on Monday, August 17, 2026, that it has secured a multi-month purchase order from an Indian ammunition player for 155mm Extended Range Full Bore (ERFB) artillery shells. The contract follows the successful commercialisation and initial delivery execution of both Base Bleed (BB) and Boat Tail (BT) variants of the 155mm ERFB shells. Under the agreement terms disclosed in a regulatory filing, the initial supply run consists of a 10,000-unit pilot batch, after which recurring monthly deliveries of mutually agreed quantities will commence.

Contract Execution and Manufacturing Expansion

According to corporate disclosures filed with the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, Balu Forge Industries stands among the first private manufacturing entities in India to successfully commercialise this specialized ammunition variant. Production is housed at the company's 46+ acre fully automated manufacturing campus in Belgaum, Karnataka, which uses robotic units, forging presses, and high-capacity hydraulic hammers.

The 155mm ERFB BB/BT casings are designed to endure high chamber pressures during firing. These standardized rounds are compatible with artillery systems currently operated by armed forces, including the 45-caliber Dhanush (38 km range), the 52-caliber ATAGS (48 km range), as well as NATO-standard platforms such as the K9 Vajra-T and M777 howitzers.

Strategic Positioning and Global Supply Integration

The commercialisation of extended-range artillery shells forms part of BFIL's broader strategy to expand its presence in defense consumables and large-caliber munitions. Having secured NATO certification, the firm previously launched high-volume production of standard 152mm and 155mm M107 projectiles in a "Ready to Fill" configuration.

Management plans to expand its operational scope further by integrating multi-alloy forgings, incorporating aluminum components, and scaling up operations within its energetics division to supply military networks domestically and globally.

Official Sources Section

Statements, operational timelines, and technical data regarding this contract originate from official regulatory releases and corporate filings issued by Balu Forge Industries Ltd to Indian stock exchanges on August 17, 2026.

Quote Section

"According to officials, the commercialisation and execution of the extended range variants represent a key milestone in the indigenisation of critical defence technologies, establishing the company as an essential manufacturing partner for global military networks."

Why It Matters

The development highlights the expanding role of private sector defense manufacturing in India's supply chain. By scaling production for critical defense components, domestic suppliers reduce reliance on foreign supply routes for large-caliber munitions while providing established manufacturing channels for export markets adhering to NATO-standard specifications.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Initial Delivery Volume: Pilot batch supply of 10,000 units, followed by scheduled monthly deliveries.

• Ammunition Specifications: 155mm Extended Range Full Bore Base Bleed (ERFB BB) and Boat Tail (ERFB BT) variants.

• Manufacturing Hub: Produced at the company’s 46+ acre automated facility in Belgaum, Karnataka.

• System Compatibility: Compatible with Dhanush, ATAGS, K9 Vajra-T, and M777 artillery systems.

FAQ Section

What contract did Balu Forge Industries receive? Balu Forge Industries received a multi-month purchase order from an Indian ammunition player to supply 155mm ERFB BB/BT artillery shell casings.

What is the initial volume of the order? The initial order consists of a pilot supply of 10,000 units, after which regular monthly supplies will continue under mutually agreed quantities.

Where are these artillery shells manufactured? The shells are manufactured at Balu Forge Industries’ fully automated facility located in Belgaum, Karnataka.

Which weapon platforms use 155mm ERFB shells? The shells are compatible with artillery systems such as the Dhanush, ATAGS, K9 Vajra-T, and M777 howitzers.

Source: BSE Limited, National Stock Exchange of India Limited, Balu Forge Industries Official Release