JCBL Group announced that its defence subsidiary, Airbornics Defence & Space Pvt Ltd (ADSL), will co-develop and manufacture advanced technologies for light tanks and other armoured vehicles as part of a new strategic defence partnership between India and Slovakia. The collaboration follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during President Droupadi Murmu’s recent state visit to Slovakia. The agreement lays the foundation for joint efforts in developing next-generation combat systems.
As part of the agreement, ADSL will focus on the indigenous development and production of key components for light tanks. These include advanced turrets, active protection systems (APS), remote-controlled weapon systems (RCWS), and human-machine interface (HMI) modules.
All production will be carried out within India, in alignment with the country’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission, according to a statement from JCBL. The collaboration is aimed at facilitating the transfer of technology and the co-creation of modern combat platforms suited for challenging terrains and high-altitude operations. It also aims to strengthen India’s defence manufacturing capabilities while leveraging Slovakia’s expertise in military technology.
The partnership is expected to create new opportunities for defence exports by combining India’s manufacturing scale with Slovakia’s advanced technological know-how. President Murmu’s visit to Slovakia was accompanied by a high-level business delegation, underlining the importance of trade and strategic cooperation between the two nations.
Airbornics Defence & Space Pvt Ltd, established on July 31, 2014, is a private limited company based in Gurugram, Haryana. Initially known as JCBL-Armored Vehicles Pvt Ltd, it operates within the aerospace, maritime, and defense sectors. As a part of the JCBL Group, the company leverages over three decades of industry experience to design, manufacture, service, and upgrade strategic and tactical defense equipment, armored vehicles, and aerospace technologies.
Its product portfolio includes a range of armored and combat vehicles such as the Stallion, Medium Armoured Troop Carrier, and Army Ambulance, as well as specialized land systems like flatbed trucks and mobile container applications. The company operates five state-of-the-art manufacturing plants, encompassing a total area of 2,06,389 square meters, with a covered area of 63,172 square meters.
These facilities are equipped with modern production equipment and technical capacity, including an in-house R&D center accredited by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR). Airbornics adheres to stringent quality standards, holding certifications such as ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949:2016, ISO/IEC 27001:2013, and CMMI Level 3. The company is committed to indigenous technology development and supports the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Airbornics serves a diverse clientele, including leading OEMs, government undertakings like ISRO, DRDO, Ministry of Health, NACO, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Transportation, STUs, Indian Railways, and more. With a workforce of 44 employees as of April 9, 2024, the company continues to expand its presence in the defense and aerospace sectors.
