Kalyani Strategic Systems, the defence-focused subsidiary of Bharat Forge, is preparing to begin proof testing in 2026 of two indigenously developed naval gun systems—a 30mm close-in naval cannon and a 76mm medium-calibre naval gun—marking a notable milestone in India’s ongoing effort to strengthen self-reliance in naval artillery and reduce dependence on imported shipborne weapon systems. Among the two platforms, the 30mm naval cannon is at a more advanced stage of development and could be ready for proof trials as early as August 2026, reflecting the maturity of its underlying design and the company’s confidence in transitioning proven land-based technologies into naval-specific configurations. Both systems are fully Indian-designed and purpose-built for maritime operations, incorporating requirements such as ship motion stabilisation, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with naval combat management systems, clearly distinguishing them from Bharat Forge’s earlier land artillery programmes. The development builds on Bharat Forge’s expanding expertise in artillery systems, particularly in the 105mm and 155mm segments, which has recently gained international recognition through a Letter of Intent signed with U.S.-based AM General at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi, marking the first instance of an Indian manufacturer securing an artillery export arrangement with the United States. Company Chairman Baba Kalyani described the agreement as pathbreaking, highlighting the maturity and battlefield relevance of the firm’s artillery solutions, which now form the technological foundation for smaller naval adaptations. The 30mm naval cannon is based on the NATO-standard 30×173mm calibre and draws on Bharat Forge’s successful trials of modular turret systems developed for infantry combat vehicles, offering an effective engagement range beyond 2,000 metres and supporting a range of ammunition types including armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot rounds for light armoured targets and high-explosive incendiary munitions for infantry and low-flying aerial threats. Compared to land-based variants previously tested at the Balasore range, the naval version incorporates shipborne stabilisation systems and maritime-grade structural enhancements to ensure accuracy and reliability under dynamic sea conditions. The larger 76mm naval gun is positioned as a multi-role shipboard weapon for anti-surface warfare, air defence, and point defence against missile threats, drawing conceptual inspiration from compact, high-rate-of-fire legacy naval systems while remaining fully indigenised to meet Indian Navy operational doctrines. The system is expected to achieve firing rates of up to 120 rounds per minute, with the potential to engage targets at ranges of up to 40 km when paired with guided munitions, addressing a critical capability gap in medium-calibre naval firepower. Proof testing planned for 2026 will focus on validating recoil management, structural integrity, barrel endurance, and integration with electro-optical fire control and sensor systems. The naval gun initiative aligns with Bharat Forge’s broader defence manufacturing expansion, which includes a ₹2,770 crore carbine contract and a ₹250 crore underwater systems order from the Ministry of Defence, both scheduled for delivery by late 2026 under fast-track procurement norms, while production facilities at Jejuri near Pune are being scaled up to leverage advanced metallurgy and precision engineering capabilities with annual output targets of 50,000–60,000 units. Recent trials by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers involving indigenous 30mm naval surface guns further underscore the growing maturity of India’s domestic naval weapons development and integration ecosystem.
