In a groundbreaking move, Bharat Forge, a prominent player in the defense and manufacturing sectors, is venturing into the realm of torpedo development. To accomplish this ambitious goal, the company is actively exploring a collaboration with DASTAN Corp. from Kyrgyzstan. Together, they are embarking on a mission of co-developing and upgrading the Soviet Union/Russian-era CET-65E and TEST71 torpedoes.
The genesis of the partnership between Bharat Forge and DASTAN Corp. dates back to September 2019. Their collaboration is rooted in a shared objective: to enhance naval capabilities. Jointly, they embarked on a journey to conduct naval trials, specifically designed for the new homing systems tailored for the CET65 and TEST71 torpedoes currently in use by the Indian Navy.
The project has made remarkable progress, with the successful completion of Stage I. Now, the collaborators are gearing up for Stage II, which involves conducting environmental naval field tests in the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. The ultimate goal is to leverage the insights gained from these trials to upgrade the entire inventory of CET65 and TEST71 torpedoes currently in service with the Indian Navy.
With a growing expertise in torpedo technology, Bharat Forge Ltd. envisions an exciting future. The company aims to play an active role in the manufacturing of locally developed submarine-launched torpedoes. This endeavor aligns seamlessly with India's broader defense objectives and the Indian Navy's relentless efforts to bolster its underwater capabilities. Together, they are not just transforming torpedo technology but also enhancing India's maritime defense capabilities for the future.