In a major boost to India’s defence manufacturing sector, Airbornics Defence & Space Pvt. Ltd. (ADSL), the specialised defence arm of the JCBL Group, has entered into a strategic collaboration with Slovakia to jointly develop and manufacture advanced technologies for Light Tanks, Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs), and Future Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICVs).
This landmark Defence Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)—the first-ever between India and Slovakia—was formalised during the official state visit of the President of India Droupadi Murmu, to Slovakia, accompanied by a high-profile business delegation. The partnership underscores India's rapidly growing role as a global hub for cutting-edge defence manufacturing and technological innovation.
Representing Indian industrial leadership internationally, Rishi Aggarwal, Managing Director of the JCBL Group, participated in the delegation. Commenting on the historic agreement, Aggarwal stated, “This partnership signifies more than just a business agreement. It represents a convergence of trust, technology, and transformation. It aligns with our core belief in the Make-in-India vision and strengthens India’s position as a global hub for defence innovation.”
Under this strategic alliance, ADSL will play a pivotal role in indigenously developing and manufacturing critical combat systems, including advanced Turrets, Active Protection Systems (APS), Remote-Controlled Weapon Systems (RCWS), and Human-Machine Interface (HMI) modules specifically designed for light tanks. All manufacturing activities will be carried out in India, significantly bolstering the objectives of the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.
The collaboration is structured to facilitate extensive technology transfer, promote operational excellence, and encourage joint development of sophisticated combat vehicles capable of performing effectively in complex terrains and challenging high-altitude scenarios. Moreover, this partnership creates promising avenues for future defence exports, leveraging Slovakia’s technological proficiency alongside India’s robust industrial infrastructure.
This significant agreement highlights India's expanding influence as a self-sufficient defence powerhouse, with ADSL and the JCBL Group positioned at the forefront, actively shaping the country’s next generation of combat solutions and reinforcing its global standing in defence innovation.
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