The Indian company Premier Explosives Ltd (PEL), active in the field of explosives and solid propellants, and the French defense company Nexter, specialized in land systems and ammunition have decided to tie-up for manufacturing Bi-Modular Charge Systems (BMCS) in order to respond to the needs of the Indian Ministry of Defense.
The partners decided to answer to the BMCS RFP relative to a 10 year contract by manufacturing in India, combining the experience of Nexter with the pyrotechnics knowledge of PEL. The proposed product, which is the key of artillery propulsion, is 100% designed within Nexter Group in accordance with the Indian technical requirements.
Through a long-term partnership, PEL and Nexter are willing to build up one of the first Indian private manufacturer of ammunition. This project responds to the Indian government objective to develop a private robust source of ammunition.
Nexter, the leading French land defense company and third European player in the ammunition sector is part of the KNDS Group. It is dedicated to meet the needs of the French land forces and of Nations on an international scale. The scope of its business includes the supply of weapon systems and ammunition for air and naval forces. Nexter also provides systems and protection solutions in the field of homeland security.
The group continues to apply its international development policy with 60% of the order intake in 2016 and 2017 intended for the export market. In France, Nexter is fully committed to meet the objectives of the SCORPION program, through the renovation of the Leclerc tank and the development of the future VBMR and EBRC vehicles within the GME (temporary business venture between Nexter, Thales and Renault Trucks Defense) as well as the VBMR Light.
The group’s range of products includes ARAVIS®, TITUS® and VBCI armored vehicles, CAESAR®, TRAJAN® and 105LG1 artillery systems, smart ammunition (BONUS), many equipment, as well as customer service, support and revaluation.
Nexter’s 2016 turnover amounted to €866 million, of which 19% is allocated to Research and Development activities.
PEL is a Rs. 2314 million revenue (≈30 million €) company established in 1980 and founded by the first generation entrepreneur Dr. A.N. Gupta. Since inception it has been a research and innovation oriented company by manufacturing explosives and detonators with totally indigenous technology in 1980’s and 1990’s.
In 2013 PEL started commercial-scale manufacture of detonators with Nickel Hydrazine Nitrate (NHN) as primary charge emerging as the world first to do so. Extending its research forte to defense products, in 2003 PEL forayed into development of solid propellants and today it is the only private entity in India manufacturing and supplying solid propellants for prestigious missiles like Akash, Astra, LRSAM, etc.
PEL has constantly innovated and upgraded its technology to offer “state-of-the-art” products to its valued customers both in India and abroad. Commitment to quality, Safety, Health & Environment is the way of life at PEL.
PEL is now ready to explore new opportunities in the defense sector and willing to develop its activities by manufacturing ammunition for the Indian Armed Forces.
