MRO & Manufacturing
Bharat Forge Expands Aerospace Manufacturing with New Ring Mill
Bharat Forge to open a ring mill in 2026 for aerospace components, partnering with Pratt & Whitney Canada, supporting India’s aerospace growth.
Bharat Forge’s Strategic Expansion into Aerospace Manufacturing
Bharat Forge Ltd., a global leader in advanced forging and precision engineering, has announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art ring mill dedicated to aerospace applications. The facility, expected to be operational by 2026, will produce high-performance components for aero-engine applications, marking a pivotal step in India’s ambitions to become a global aerospace manufacturing hub.
This development follows a strategic partnership with Pratt & Whitney Canada, a move that not only strengthens Bharat Forge’s international presence but also aligns with national initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. The ring mill will integrate cutting-edge technologies, adhering to stringent global standards for quality and traceability, positioning India as a credible player in the global aerospace supply chain.
As global aerospace markets seek diversified and resilient supply chains, Bharat Forge’s investment signals a shift in manufacturing capabilities from traditional centers to emerging economies. This article explores the strategic, technological, and economic implications of Bharat Forge’s aerospace expansion, grounded in verified data and industry insights.
Corporate Background and Evolution of Bharat Forge
Founded in 1961 by Nilkanthrao A. Kalyani in Pune, Maharashtra, Bharat Forge has grown into the flagship company of the Kalyani Group. Under the leadership of Baba Kalyani, the company has evolved from a domestic forging unit into a multinational engineering powerhouse with a presence in multiple sectors including automotive, defense, oil and gas, and now aerospace.
Key milestones in the company’s history include its expansion into global markets in the early 1990s and major investments in forging technology throughout the 2000s. These included the installation of high-capacity press lines and the establishment of advanced machining facilities, which laid the groundwork for its current capabilities in precision engineering.
Today, Bharat Forge operates 18 manufacturing facilities across five countries and boasts an annual forging capacity of over 770,000 tons. Its financial performance in FY 2022-23 includes consolidated revenues of ₹16,817 crores (approximately $2.03 billion), with an EBITDA margin of 21.7%, figures that underscore its robust operational health and capacity for strategic investments.
Strategic Importance of the Ring Mill
The announcement of the new ring mill on July 30, 2025, marks a significant diversification into aerospace manufacturing. The facility will be located in Baramati, Maharashtra, leveraging existing infrastructure and workforce expertise. It aims to support both domestic and international aerospace programs, focusing on aero-engine components that demand high precision and performance.
According to Amit Kalyani, Vice-Chairman and JMD of Bharat Forge, the partnership with Pratt & Whitney Canada “reinforces our commitment to the global aerospace ecosystem and advances India’s manufacturing capabilities in high-value aerospace components.” This strategic alignment with a major aerospace OEM provides Bharat Forge with access to global best practices and quality standards.
Frederic Lefebvre, Vice President of Supply Chain at Pratt & Whitney Canada, emphasized the importance of the partnerships in building a resilient global supply chain and enhancing India’s aerospace ecosystem. With over 800 employees in India, Pratt & Whitney has a longstanding presence in the country, further validating Bharat Forge’s role as a trusted partner.
“This underscores our commitment to building a resilient global supply chain and advancing India’s aerospace ecosystem.”, Frederic Lefebvre, Pratt & Whitney Canada
Ring Rolling Technology and Aerospace Applications
Ring rolling is a critical process in aerospace manufacturing, used to produce seamless, high-strength components such as turbine rings and structural elements. The technique involves the plastic deformation of heated metal rings, resulting in components with superior mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy.
Modern ring rolling systems employ CNC controls, temperature and pressure sensors, and automated feeding mechanisms. These capabilities ensure tight tolerances and repeatability, essential for aerospace applications where failure is not an option. The process also allows for material versatility, accommodating alloys like titanium and nickel-based superalloys commonly used in jet engines.
Seamless rolled rings offer several advantages over cast or welded alternatives. They maintain structural integrity under high temperatures, reduce material waste, and lower machining costs due to their near-net shape. These factors make them ideal for aerospace use, where performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency are paramount.
Global Aerospace Forging Market Dynamics
The global aerospace forging market is poised for significant growth. In 2024, its size was estimated at USD 26.3 billion, with projections reaching USD 36.0 billion by 2030. Other forecasts suggest even higher growth, with some estimates pointing to a USD 99.1 billion market by 2037. This expansion is fueled by rising demand for lightweight, durable components and advancements in materials and forging technologies.
The commercial-aircraft segment dominates the market, driven by increasing air travel and demand for fuel-efficient planes. Military aviation is also a key growth area, with a focus on high-performance forged components for next-generation aircraft. Materials like titanium and aluminum alloys are in high demand due to their strength-to-weight ratios.
India, with its growing engineering talent pool and supportive government policies, is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. The country’s share in global aerospace manufacturing is expected to rise, especially as OEMs diversify supply chains in response to geopolitical and logistical challenges.
India’s Aerospace Vision and Policy Support
India’s aerospace ambitions are backed by national initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. These programs aim to increase domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports, particularly in strategic sectors like aerospace and defense. The Ministry of Defence has set a target of USD 26 billion in aerospace and defense output by 2025.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also identified Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services as a sunrise sector, with plans to develop a USD 4 billion MRO hub by 2030. These initiatives create a conducive environment for companies like Bharat Forge to invest in high-value manufacturing capabilities.
Public-private partnerships are central to this strategy. Companies such as Tata Advanced Systems and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. have already partnered with global OEMs like Boeing and Airbus. Bharat Forge’s ring mill adds to this ecosystem, bolstering India’s credibility as a destination for aerospace manufacturing.
Conclusion
Bharat Forge’s establishment of a ring mill for aerospace applications is a strategic move that aligns with both corporate growth objectives and national policy goals. The facility will enhance India’s position in the global aerospace supply chain while providing Bharat Forge with access to high-margin, technology-intensive markets.
As the facility becomes operational in 2026, it will serve as a testament to India’s evolving manufacturing capabilities. The project exemplifies how strategic partnerships, technological investments, and policy alignment can drive industrial transformation. Bharat Forge’s initiative could pave the way for further advancements in India’s aerospace sector, fostering innovation, job creation, and economic growth.
FAQ
What is the purpose of Bharat Forge’s new ring mill?
The ring mill will manufacture high-performance aerospace components, particularly for aero-engine applications, using advanced ring rolling technology.
When will the ring mill be operational?
The facility is expected to be operational by 2026.
Who is Bharat Forge partnering with for this project?
Bharat Forge has signed a strategic partnership with Pratt & Whitney Canada for the supply of aerospace components.
How does this project support India’s aerospace ambitions?
The project aligns with national initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, contributing to India’s goal of becoming a global aerospace manufacturing hub.
Sources:
Bharat Forge Ltd.,
Pratt & Whitney Canada,
MarketsandMarkets,
Business Standard,
LiveMint,
IATA,
Make in India,
Ministry of Defence, India
Photo Credit: Pune Bharat Forge Ltd
MRO & Manufacturing
Textron Aviation Expands Wichita Flight Test Facility for SkyCourier and Denali
Textron Aviation expands its Wichita flight test hangar by 57,000 sq ft to support SkyCourier and Denali testing amid growing demand and military orders.
This article is based on an official press release from Textron Aviation.
Textron Aviation has completed a 57,000-square-foot expansion of its flight test hangar at the East Wichita Campus in Kansas. Announced on May 29, 2026, the facility upgrade adds six new hangar bays to the north side of the existing structure, primarily to support accelerating global demand for the Cessna SkyCourier and ongoing testing for the Beechcraft Denali.
The expansion reflects a strategic push by the manufacturers to capture growing market share in commercial freight, passenger transport, and military aircraft special missions. By increasing its physical footprint, Textron aims to streamline the flow between aircraft preparation, data collection, and evaluation during rigorous flight test programs.
According to the company’s press release, the new facility also incorporates sustainability design elements. These include energy-efficient LED lighting and high-efficiency building systems designed to reduce overall energy consumption during intensive, round-the-clock flight test operations.
Expanding Capacity for the SkyCourier and Denali
The SkyCourier’s Growing Footprint
The primary driver behind the Wichita expansion is the Cessna SkyCourier, a clean-sheet, twin-engine utility turboprop designed for high utilization and low operating costs. Textron offers the aircraft in three distinct configurations: a dedicated freighter, a 19-passenger variant, and a “Combi” version that accommodates up to nine passengers alongside cargo.
The freighter variant is sized to handle up to three LD3 shipping containers with a maximum payload of 6,000 pounds. Powered by dual Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC engines and McCauley 110-inch four-blade aluminum propellers, the aircraft boasts a maximum cruise speed exceeding 200 knots true airspeed (ktas) and a 900-nautical-mile maximum range. Both versions feature single-point pressure refueling for faster turnarounds and Garmin G1000 NXi avionics.
Supporting the Beechcraft Denali
While the SkyCourier anchors the expansion, the additional hangar space will also support the Beechcraft Denali. The Denali is a new high-performance, single-engine turboprop currently undergoing rigorous flight testing.
Expected to achieve FAA certification in 2026, the Denali is notable for being the first aircraft powered by GE Aerospace’s new Catalyst engine, positioning it to compete directly in the premium single-engine turboprop market against established competitors.
Operational Efficiency and Strategic Growth
The addition of six new hangar bays allows Textron’s flight test teams to run multiple test profiles simultaneously. This parallel testing capability is designed to turn aircraft more efficiently between flights, a necessity as production and testing schedules accelerate.
“With more space and flexibility, our teams can run multiple test profiles in parallel and turn aircraft more efficiently,” stated Brad White, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing Operations at Textron Aviation.
Company leadership emphasized that the investment is a direct response to market momentum. In the official release, Lannie O’Bannion, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing, noted that investing in flight test capacity is critical to efficiently support current development and future demand.
From Commercial Freight to Military Missions
The Belgian Military Order
Originally anchored by a 50-aircraft launch order from FedEx to serve as a regional cargo feeder, the SkyCourier is now aggressively expanding into the defense sector. According to April 2026 reporting by Aviation International News, Belgium became the first military customer for the SkyCourier.
Belgium ordered five modified aircraft to support its Special Operations Forces, with deliveries scheduled for 2027. These aircraft will be utilized for troop transport, logistics, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), and crisis response.
New Special Mission Capabilities
To support these diverse operational environments, Textron recently introduced an “In-Flight Operable Door” option for the SkyCourier. This modification significantly enhances the aircraft’s utility for specialized observation missions and paratroop drops, making it an attractive commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) option for global defense forces.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that the 57,000-square-foot expansion in Wichita is a strong indicator of a broader turboprop renaissance. Modern turboprops like the SkyCourier and Denali are experiencing a surge in popularity due to their ruggedness, lower operating costs, and versatility compared to light jets.
Furthermore, military forces globally are increasingly seeking cost-effective COTS aircraft to modernize their utility fleets. The SkyCourier’s evolution from a dedicated overnight package hauler to a multi-role military platform demonstrates how manufacturers can leverage flexible, clean-sheet designs to capture diverse revenue streams without developing entirely new airframes. Textron’s continued investment in Wichita, often dubbed “The Air Capital of the World”, cements the region’s critical role in scaling manufacturing and testing infrastructure to meet these global supply chain demands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is the new Textron Aviation flight test facility located?
The expanded 57,000-square-foot facility is located at Textron Aviation’s East Wichita Campus in Kansas.
What is the maximum payload of the Cessna SkyCourier freighter?
The SkyCourier freighter has a maximum payload of 6,000 pounds and can accommodate up to three LD3 shipping containers.
When is the Beechcraft Denali expected to receive FAA certification?
According to current company projections, the Beechcraft Denali is expected to achieve FAA certification in 2026.
Who is the first military customer for the Cessna SkyCourier?
Belgium became the first military customer in April 2026, ordering five modified aircraft for its Special Operations Forces.
Sources
Photo Credit: Textron Aviation
MRO & Manufacturing
Honeywell Unveils New Brands Ahead of 2026 Aerospace Spin-Off
Honeywell announces Honeywell Technologies and Honeywell Aerospace as independent firms post June 29, 2026 spin-off, focusing on AI and aviation.
On June 1, 2026, Honeywell officially unveiled the new brand identities for its automation and aerospace businesses, marking the final stages of a historic corporate restructuring. The two new entities, Honeywell Technologies and Honeywell Aerospace, will operate as independent, publicly traded companies following the aerospace division’s official spin-off scheduled for June 29, 2026.
According to the company’s press release, this announcement dismantles the 140-year-old conglomerate into focused, pure-play businesses. The strategic pivot aligns with broader Wall Street trends that increasingly favor specialized operations over sprawling industrial giants, allowing each new company to target specific global megatrends without competing for internal capital.
The New Brands: Technologies and Aerospace
Following the June 29 separation, the two resulting companies will operate with distinct strategic focuses and market identities. Industry research indicates that the automation business, now branded as Honeywell Technologies, will retain the legacy Nasdaq ticker “HON.” This entity is positioned to lead the industrial transition from automation to autonomy, focusing heavily on artificial intelligence-led industrial systems, building automation, and mission-critical software.
Conversely, the aviation business will launch as Honeywell Aerospace and trade on the Nasdaq under the new ticker “HONA.” Operating as one of the largest publicly traded, pure-play aerospace suppliers, Honeywell Aerospace will target the future of aviation. According to industry data, the division currently generates approximately $15 billion in annual sales and will focus its independent efforts on aircraft electrification, autonomous flight, and defense applications.
Leadership Perspective
Company leadership emphasized that the rebranding is designed to respect the conglomerate’s extensive history while pivoting toward modern technological demands. In the official press release, Honeywell Chairman and CEO Vimal Kapur highlighted the significance of the transition.
“Today marks another defining moment in our transformation into two independent, focused companies. Drawing on Honeywell’s century-long legacy, these new brand identities honor our history while reflecting the bold vision and strategic focus that will define Honeywell Technologies and Honeywell Aerospace as standalone companies.”
, Vimal Kapur, Chairman and CEO of Honeywell
The Road to the Spin-Off
The dissolution of the Honeywell conglomerate has been a multi-year process driven by internal strategic reviews and external market pressures. In November 2024, Elliott Investment Management acquired a $5 billion stake in the company, publishing a letter that urged the board to simplify its structure to unlock shareholder value. By February 2025, Honeywell’s Board of Directors formalized the plan to separate into three independent companies: Automation, Aerospace, and Advanced Materials.
The first phase of this massive restructuring was completed in October 2025, when Honeywell successfully spun off its Advanced Materials business. That entity now operates as a standalone public company named Solstice Advanced Materials, trading under the ticker “SOLS.”
Financial Implications
Prior to the upcoming aerospace spin-off, Honeywell’s total market value is estimated at approximately $150.72 billion, with an estimated brand value of $18 billion built over 140 years of operation. Financial analysts at Wolfe Research have previously projected that a “sum-of-the-parts” valuation for the post-split entities could reach a significant premium over Honeywell’s historical trading range, drawing comparisons to the highly lucrative 2024 spin-off of GE Vernova.
AirPro News analysis
We view Honeywell’s breakup as a definitive marker in the ongoing $1.2 trillion U.S. industrial divestiture trend. By following the blueprint laid out by General Electric and Johnson & Johnson, Honeywell is positioning its aerospace and automation divisions to be significantly more agile. As separate entities with distinct balance sheets, both Honeywell Technologies and Honeywell Aerospace can more easily pursue targeted mergers and acquisitions. Without the burden of competing for internal capital, Honeywell Aerospace is now uniquely positioned to aggressively fund the electrification of aircraft, while Honeywell Technologies can double down on artificial intelligence and industrial autonomy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does the Honeywell Aerospace spin-off take effect?
The aerospace division will officially spin off into an independent, publicly traded company on June 29, 2026.
What will the new stock tickers be?
Honeywell Technologies (the automation business) will retain the legacy ticker “HON,” while Honeywell Aerospace will trade under the new ticker “HONA.”
What happened to Honeywell’s Advanced Materials business?
The Advanced Materials division was successfully spun off in October 2025 as Solstice Advanced Materials, which currently trades under the ticker “SOLS.”
Sources
Photo Credit: Honeywell
MRO & Manufacturing
Sopra Steria to Acquire Daher’s Aerospace Manufacturing Unit in 2026
Sopra Steria plans to acquire Daher’s Manufacturing Engineering business to expand aerospace production capabilities and strengthen Airbus collaboration.
This article is based on an official press release from Sopra Steria.
On May 28, 2026, European technology and consulting major Sopra Steria announced it has entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire the Manufacturing Engineering business of Daher Industrial Services, a subsidiary of the French aerospace conglomerate Group Daher. According to the official press release, the proposed acquisition aligns with Sopra Steria’s broader strategy to build comprehensive technological and engineering capabilities across the European aerospace sector.
The targeted unit specializes in optimizing aerospace production processes and has served as a strategic partner to Airbus since 1995. Industry research reports indicate that the unit generated more than €42 million in revenue in 2025 and employs over 360 people, primarily based in France. The financial terms of the transaction have not been publicly disclosed.
Subject to customary regulatory approvals and consultations with employee representative bodies, the companies expect to finalize the transaction in the second half of 2026. We view this development as a significant indicator of ongoing consolidation within the aerospace digital engineering space.
Strategic Expansion in Aerospace Engineering
Sopra Steria, which reported a global revenue of €5.6 billion in 2025 and employs approximately 51,000 people across nearly 30 countries, has been actively expanding its footprint in the aerospace and defense sectors. The company previously acquired CS Group to bolster its secure infrastructure and engineering programs, and this latest move signals a continued focus on industrial optimization.
Deepening the Airbus Partnership
The acquisition is designed to elevate Sopra Steria’s aerospace business by expanding its capacity in critical Manufacturing engineering processes. According to industry research, the Daher unit focuses on two vital phases of aerospace manufacturing: the pre-production preparatory phase and production ramp-up efficiency. By integrating these capabilities, Sopra Steria aims to offer end-to-end skills to major European aerospace programs.
“The acquisition allows the company to offer comprehensive, end-to-end skills to major European aerospace programs,” notes recent industry research analyzing the deal.
The global aerospace industry is currently facing immense pressure to accelerate aircraft production to meet post-pandemic travel demand. Sopra Steria is positioning itself as a vital technological partner to help manufacturers, particularly Airbus, meet these accelerating production paces and exacting industrial standards.
Daher’s Strategic Realignment
For Group Daher, the divestment of its Manufacturing Engineering unit represents a strategic realignment toward its core competencies. While the company is stepping away from this specific engineering niche, it remains heavily invested in aerospace logistics and its own aircraft manufacturing operations, which include the TBM and Kodiak aircraft families.
Focus on Logistics and Aircraft Manufacturing
Divesting the engineering unit is expected to allow Daher to concentrate capital on massive logistics and manufacturing scale-ups. In early 2026, Daher renewed and expanded a significant logistics contract with Airbus Atlantic. According to industry data, this contract runs from 2026 to 2031 and involves managing the West Hub in Montoir-de-Bretagne. Daher aims to triple logistics volumes at this site to support the production ramp-up of the Airbus A320, A330, and A350 programs.
Aggressive M&A and Financial Health
The proposed acquisition of Daher’s engineering unit is not an isolated event for Sopra Steria. The announcement follows closely on the heels of another strategic move. Industry research highlights that Sopra Steria recently entered exclusive negotiations to acquire Digital Product Simulation (DPS), a Paris-based digital engineering consulting firm.
DPS, which generated approximately €12 million in revenue in 2025, is being acquired through Sopra Steria’s subsidiary, CIMPA. Alongside these aggressive Mergers and Acquisitions activities, Sopra Steria recently announced a €40 million share buyback program. This follows a previous €150 million buyback concluded in January 2025, signaling strong financial health and a commitment to shareholder returns.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that IT and digital consulting firms like Sopra Steria are increasingly encroaching on traditional industrial engineering spaces. As the aerospace industry grapples with supply chain bottlenecks and ambitious production targets, digitizing and optimizing the factory floor has become a critical prerequisite for success. By acquiring established engineering units with deep-rooted OEM relationships, such as the 30-year partnership between Daher’s unit and Airbus, tech firms are effectively buying their way into the heart of the aerospace supply chain. This multi-pronged consolidation strategy, evidenced by the concurrent moves for Daher’s unit and DPS, suggests that the lines between digital IT consulting and physical manufacturing engineering will continue to blur.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the acquisition expected to close?
According to the press release, the transaction is expected to be finalized in the second half of 2026, pending Regulations and employee consultations.
How large is the business being acquired?
Industry research indicates the Manufacturing Engineering business of Daher Industrial Services employs over 360 people and generated more than €42 million in revenue in 2025.
Why is Daher selling this unit?
Daher is divesting this unit to focus on its core competencies, specifically its massive aerospace logistics contracts and its own aircraft manufacturing operations (TBM and Kodiak).
Sources
Photo Credit: Sopra Steria
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