Bharat Forge Liebherr-Aerospace Tie Up.
Bharat Forge and Liebherr-Aerospace’s Advanced Landing Gear Machining Facility: Pune: In a significant boost to India’s aerospace manufacturing ambitions, Bharat Forge and Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS have inaugurated a state-of-the-art landing gear components machining facility in Pune, marking a new chapter in the country’s integration into the global aerospace supply chain.
The new facility, located in the Mundhwa industrial area of the western Indian city, was formally opened on March 11 and is designed to produce high-precision landing gear components for global aircraft programs. The project represents one of the first large-scale installations in India capable of machining landing gear components with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) approvals, a capability historically concentrated in Europe and North America.
Industry experts say the move reflects the growing role of India as a manufacturing hub for aerospace structures and systems, as global manufacturers seek resilient and diversified supply chains.
Strengthening India’s Aerospace Manufacturing Capabilities
The newly inaugurated facility integrates advanced machining centers capable of producing complex landing gear components that require extremely tight tolerances and stringent quality standards. Landing gear structures are among the most safety-critical elements of an aircraft, responsible for absorbing massive loads during landing and taxi operations.
By establishing such a facility domestically, Bharat Forge positions itself among a small group of companies globally capable of manufacturing these highly specialized aerospace components at scale.
The project was developed in collaboration with Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH, a key division of the Liebherr Group specializing in flight control and landing gear systems for commercial and military aircraft.
Officials said the facility will help expand India’s role in the production of complex aerospace systems, complementing existing capabilities in areas such as aero-engine components, structural assemblies, and precision forgings.
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Industry Leaders Attend Inauguration
The inauguration ceremony drew senior executives from both companies as well as representatives from the Indian aerospace sector.
Delegates from Liebherr included Martin Wandel, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS; Philipp Walter, Managing Director of Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH; and Bernd Schacherl, Director of Procurement at Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS.
Also present were Sanjay Prasad and Sunil Kalra, Managing Directors at Liebherr India Private Limited.
The event was led on behalf of Bharat Forge by Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman and Joint Managing Director of Bharat Forge, along with Guru Biswal, Chief Executive Officer of the company’s aerospace division.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kalyani described the facility as a landmark moment in the company’s aerospace strategy.
“This state-of-the-art facility planned in partnership with Liebherr-Aerospace is a very significant milestone in Bharat Forge’s journey in the aerospace sector and a testament to our ability to add value to customer relationships,” he said.
Kalyani added that the collaboration underscores growing confidence in India’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and will enable the company to deliver critical components for Liebherr’s global programs.
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Building a Full-Stack Aerospace Manufacturing Portfolio
The new facility is part of Bharat Forge’s broader effort to establish a comprehensive aerospace manufacturing portfolio spanning multiple aircraft subsystems.
The company’s aerospace division already produces a wide range of high-precision components, including turbine and compressor parts used in aircraft engines, as well as forged rings, shafts, and discs for propulsion systems.
In addition, Bharat Forge manufactures structural elements and landing gear sub-components used in both civil aviation and defense platforms.
To further expand these capabilities, the company is also developing an advanced aerospace ring-mill facility in India. The ring mill will produce high-value forged rings required for next-generation aero-engine programs, further strengthening India’s position in global aerospace manufacturing.
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Strategic Partnership With Liebherr
Executives from Liebherr highlighted the strategic nature of the partnership and its importance in meeting growing global demand for aerospace components.
Martin Wandel, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS, said the collaboration brings together technological expertise and manufacturing strength.
“We are proud and pleased to embark on this partnership with Bharat Forge, a strong and highly technological industry leader,” Wandel said during the inauguration.
He added that the facility has been designed specifically to meet the rigorous requirements of the global aerospace industry, supporting innovation and high-quality production for aircraft manufacturers worldwide.
Liebherr is a major supplier of aircraft systems including landing gear, flight control systems, environmental control systems, and actuation technology used in numerous commercial and military aircraft platforms.
India’s Growing Role in the Global Aerospace Supply Chain
The launch of the Pune facility reflects a broader shift in global aerospace manufacturing toward emerging industrial hubs such as India.
With its strong engineering workforce, growing industrial infrastructure, and expanding domestic aviation market, India has increasingly attracted partnerships with international aerospace companies seeking to diversify supply chains.
Government initiatives promoting domestic manufacturing and technology partnerships have also played a role in encouraging such collaborations.
Industry analysts note that facilities like the one in Pune help move India beyond basic component manufacturing toward higher-value precision engineering and system-level production.
For Bharat Forge, the partnership further strengthens its position as a key player in India’s aerospace sector and expands its participation in international aircraft programs.
As global aircraft production gradually accelerates to meet post-pandemic travel demand, the new machining facility could become a critical node in the supply chain supporting aircraft manufacturers worldwide.
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