Ultra Maritime signs contract with BDL for co-production of sonobuoys in India

February 12, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

US company Ultra Maritime has signed a production planning contract with Indian Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), to take a concrete step forward in the co-production of the US sonobuoys in India.

As disclosed, the contract will kickstart the transfer of technology from the U.S. to India of U.S.-specification sonobuoys for use on India’s maritime patrol aircraft, the P-8I, MH-60R, and MQ-9B Sea Guardian platforms.

The work between the two companies is already well underway. BDL has made significant investments at its site in Visakhapatnam, with production and testing halls ready for the new lines.

This initial contract will fund the two companies’ discussions on potential supply chain partners, requirements for production equipment, optimal production line layouts, testing processes, and quality control.

The initiative was first announced by the White House in January this year.

The production will split across the US and India. The partnership is expected to enhance undersea domain awareness efforts for both navies in support of the US-India bilateral undersea domain awareness initiative.

The start of the production is scheduled for 2027.

“We are proud to follow up on recent announcements to share that our first contract with BDL has been formalized. This step indicates the level of investment both parties are making to ensure timely delivery of world class sonobuoys, made in India,” said Ultra Maritime President and CEO, Carlo Zaffanella.

“Bharat Dynamics Limited has signaled its intent to invest with Ultra Maritime in the signing of this contract. Not only have we prepared our site for new production lines, but the output of the Production Planning contract will give us greater confidence in building sonobuoys in India,” added Chairman of BDL Commodore (ret) A. Madhavarao.

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